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Islamabad, September 01 (KMS): Pakistan has conveyed a strong demarche to India and expressed solidarity with Kashmiris on the first martyrdom anniversary of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani.
The Foreign Office in a statement said Pakistan joins the Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control in paying tribute to iconic Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani on his first martyrdom anniversary today.
Syed Ali Gilani breathed his last in long-drawn illegal Indian custody on this day, last year.
The Indian Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a strong demarche was made over India’s continued obstinacy and refusal to accept Syed Ali Gilani’s right to a burial in accordance with his will.
The Indian Charge d’Affaires was conveyed Pakistan’s deep regret that despite the passage of one year since the veteran leader’s demise in Indian custody, the Government of India had persisted in its intransigence and denied him a dignified burial in the “Cemetery of Martyrs” as per his desire.
More ominously, Kashmiris were not even allowed to pay respects to the revered leader at the graveyard in Hyderpora, Srinagar, where he was hurriedly buried by the Indian occupation forces in the absence of his family and followers.
The Indian Charge d’Affaires was urged to convey to the Government of India that the mortal remains of Syed Ali Gilani must be buried at the “Cemetery of Martyrs” as per his will, and unhindered access be given to his family and followers to pay reverence to the great leader.
The Foreign Office said that Syed Ali Gilani’s unflinching commitment to the Kashmir cause, in the face of persistent persecution and tremendous personal hardship, is unparalleled.
