President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir attends flag raising at Rochdale Town Hall

Kashmiri flag raising at Rochdale Town Hall

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The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Masood Khan, attended the raising of the Kashmiri flag outside Rochdale Town Hall on Monday (24 October) in celebration of the National Day of Kashmir.

The President gave a speech highlighting the horrific events occurring in the state, urging the public to support the people of Kashmir with a referendum to determine their future.

He added: “The flag seen here represents the entire state of Jammu Kashmir, including India-occupied Kashmir.”

Speeches of thanks were given to all who turned out for the ceremony by Manchester’s Consul General of Pakistan, Dr Zahoor Ahmed; Opposition Leader, Ch. Yasin; Mayor Ray Dutton; leader of the Council, Richard Farnell; Simon Danczuk MP and Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Tony Lloyd.

The ceremony was organised by Rochdale Kashmiri Association and conducted by State Secretary Mohammed Sheraz, with support from Rochdale councillors Aasim Rashid, Mohammed Zaman, Shakil Ahmed and Aftab Hussain, and Tameside Councillor, Leigh Drennan.

Councillor Aasim Rashid said: “The Council has always supported condemning the atrocities carried out by India in Kashmir, and the violation of human rights."

A prayer for both freedom in Kashmir and peace in the UK closed the event, before refreshments were served in the Town Hall.

A cake bearing the Kashmiri flag was sponsored by Councillor Aasim Rashid.

The National Day of Kashmir is celebrated on 24 October after the government of Azad Kashmir was established on this date in 1947.