Aug 14 , 2015
NewsSinging Pak Sar Zameen, Kashmiris hoist Pakistan flags in Srinagar
SRINAGAR – As Pakistan observes its national independence day on Friday, the green flags of the Islamic Republic were seen in Srinagar and other parts of the Indian-held Jammu Kashmir – a day before India celebrates its freedom.
India’s ANI news agency reported that the Pakistani flags were seen in the old city of Srinagar. Hoisting of Pakistan's national flags has become a common occurrence in the disputed state as authorities imposed restrictions on celebrations of Pakistan's independence day in the state.
– Mirwaiz under a house arrest –
The authorities are especially watching Hurriyat Conference leaders and have reportedly placed Mirwaiz Umer Farooq under a house arrest. Asiya Andrabi – who heads Dukhtaran-e-Millat – was also seen waving Pakistani flags in the valley. The Dukhtaran-e-Millat unfurled Pakistan's flag and sang its national anthem – Pak Sar Zameen Shaad Baad.
Kashmiri people have been hoisting Pakistani flags on August 14 for more than two decades. The Press Trust of India news agency reported that the authorities imposed restrictions in Srinagar in view of apprehensions of ‘law and order’ problems on the occasion of Pakistan’s independence day.
A senior police officer said the restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed to avoid ‘law and order’ problems. He said that the restrictions have been imposed in Rainawari, Khanyar, MR Gunj, Safakdal, Nowhata and Maisuma. Police and India’s paramilitary CRPF personnel have been deployed in strength in ‘sensitive’ areas to prevent anti-India elements from arranging protests, the officer said.
Famous Kashmiri journalist Gowhar Geelani said that the local Kashmiri population was caged inside homes and people's movement restricted by fortified security arrangements, and concertina and barbed wires as a matter of routine which has ironically become a norm since 1989 on India's Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15).
On this August 15 too, the Lal Chowk – red squire – in Srinagar will remain deserted. There will be concertina wires and barbed wires. India’s armed personnel will be guarding every single inch. But there will be no people to accompany them to raise the Indian flag atop the clock tower whose hands will quietly keep ticking and recording yet another chapter of history.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk