RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that the army was observing Eidul Fitr solemnly in solidarity with held Kashmir which is under India’s “illegal and inhuman lockdown and ensuing atrocities” since its annexation in August last year.

The army chief made these remarks while visiting the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between Pakistan and India along Kashmir, where he offered Eid prayers with the soldiers.

COAS visited #LOC in Puna Sector & spent Eid with tps, offered Eid prayers at frontline & prayed for peace & prosperity of Pakistan in these difficult times particularly to overcome COVID-19 pandemic. COAS lauded tps for their professionalism, op prep, befitting response… (1/6) pic.twitter.com/XVCKS42Wc7

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 24, 2020

In a series of tweets posted Sunday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted General Bajwa as saying that India was trying to detract international attention from the “worsening humanitarian crisis and violence” in occupied Kashmir by targeting civilians across the LoC.

He added that the valley was a disputed area and warned that any attempt to change its disputed status, “including any political or military thought of aggression” would be responded to by military power.

…worsening humanitarian crisis & violence in IOJ&K to LOC by targeting innocent civs. Kashmir is a disputed territory & any attempt to challenge disputed status incl any pol cum mil thought related to aggression will be responded with full national resolve & mil might. (3/6)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 24, 2020

General Bajwa also warned that there would be “dire consequences” if the strategic stability matrix in South Asia was disturbed. He added that the army was aware of threats and would be ready to fulfill its part “in line with national aspirations”.

According to the military’s media wing, the army chief expressed hope that the world community would “weigh in to ensure freedom of movement” for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) inside the occupied valley so that the atrocities committed there could be reported to the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the world.

…will weigh in to ensure freedom of movement for UNMOGIP ops inside IOJK, as ensured by Pak in AJK, so that tragic consequences of ongoing atrocities & inhuman clampdown inside occupied territory is reported to the United Nations Security Council and the world at large. (5/6)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 24, 2020

The army chief added that the Indian forces could never suppress the “valiant spirit of Kashmiris” who were waiting for a plebiscite to happen according to the resolution passed by the UN.

During his visit, he also praised the troops for their “professionalism, preparedness for operation and befitting response to ceasefire violations” by the Indian army.

IMRAN EXTENDS EID GREETINGS TO KASHMIRIS:

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan wished the people of occupied Kashmir a “special Eid mubarak”. He said that he admired their “patience and courage during the inhuman lockdown and continuing oppression” by the Indian forces.

Wishing a special Eid Mubarak to Kashmiris in IOJK, and admiration for their patience and courage during the inhumane lockdown and continuing oppression by Indian Occupation forces.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 23, 2020

Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz also reminded Pakistanis to not forget the suffering and oppression of their brethren in Kashmir.

“The brazen commission of war crimes in occupied Kashmir by Hindutva supremacist Modi regime is a direct challenge to [the] world’s conscience,” he tweeted.

The brazen Comission of war crimes in IOJK by Hindutva Supremacists Modi regime is a direct challenge to world’s conscience. 2/2

— Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) May 24, 2020