Pakistan condemns ban on Eid prayers, sacrifice in IIOJK

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Pakistan has strongly condemned the reported ban on Eid-ul-Adha prayers and sacrifice of animals in the Indian Illegally Occupied and Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Imposition of restrictions on prayers and religious festivities on one of the most important days of Islamic calendar represents complete disrespect and deep-rooted prejudice by the Indian government for the sentiments of the Muslims of IIOJK,” read a statement by the Foreign Office amid reports that Muslims in the region could not offer Eid prayers due to the continued military siege and restrictions by authorities at all the major mosques.

Pakistan urged the international community, the United Nations, and other human rights and humanitarian oprganisations to take notice of the “brutal suppression of the religious rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people in violation of international laws and conventions.”

“India must realise that by such measures, it cannot break the will of the Kashmiris and suppress their aspirations for freedom from illegal Indian occupation.”

Pakistan reiterated its support of Kashmiri people and called for the protection of its inhabitants’ “inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”