In solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the Pakistani Community in Japan observed Black Day on 20th July 2016. A solemn ceremony was held to mark the occasion at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Tokyo. It was attended in large numbers by Pakistani diaspora in Japan, from all walks of life and all shades of political spectrum. The participants expressed unwavering unity for the cause of helpless Kashmiris in the IOK.
Ambassador Farukh Amil, in his remarks said that it is incumbent upon the United Nations to complete the unfinished agenda on Kashmir and ensure grant of right of self-determination to Kashmiris for a sustainable peace in the region. He said it was imperative to enforce the UN Resolutions, which had become more relevant with time, especially with growth of the global agenda on human rights. The Ambassador highlighted the introduction of new forms of cruelty to inflict suffering on Kashmiris such as pellet guns, which were being used to blind the people.
In his address, Mr. Abdur Rehman Siddiqui, a renowned author and community activist, gave a brief history of the issue and deplored the Indian atrocities against innocent Kashmiris, including women and children. He called for an immediate end to the ongoing security operation. Mr. Siddiqui also expressed deep concern over attempts in IOK to change the demographic make up of various areas through forced eviction of people from their lands.
The event ended with a funeral prayer in absentia for over 40 innocent lives lost in IOK as a result of security forces’ operation.
Embassy of Pakistan – Tokyo
PR # 40/2016
21 July 2016