LAHORE – A student from Azad Jammu and Kashmir joined the Indian Republic Day celebrations at Rajouri district in Indian-held Kashmir, and was all praise for democracy in the state, according to a report in The Hindu newspaper.
A university student of political science, Faisal Iqbal, now visiting relatives in Indian-held Kashmir, expressed a desire to witness the celebrations and the administration extended a formal invitation, said GA Khawaja, Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri.
He was introduced to Industries Minister SS Salathia, the chief guest at the function held at the district headquarters. According to the report, Iqbal told journalists that he was highly impressed with the celebrations and wanted to see such things in Pakistan too.
“We have not enjoyed any constitution so far in our country; the question of celebrations does not arise at all,” he was quoted as saying. Rajouri journalist Shafiq Mir told The Hindu that Iqbal felt elated at being “invited as a special guest”.
Impressed with the celebrations, he suggested that more people from Azad Kashmir, especially youth, be invited to attend such functions.
