UKPNP will observe 16 March as a National Day, Dr Shabir Choudhry

Senior leader of United Kashmir Peoples National Party, Dr Shabir Choudhry said, 16 March was the date when foundations of Jammu and Kashmir State were laid down; and all freedom loving and true Kashmiri nationalists should observe this day as a National Day.

UKPNP leader said, Raja Farooq Haider by using foul language against adherents of an independent Jammu and Kashmir has only exposed his ignorance and lack of knowledge on historic facts.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, religious and regional sentiments aside, bitter fact is that Kashmir was part of the Sikh Kingdom; and before that Kashmir was occupied by Afghan and the Mughals. Had situation remained as it was prior to 1846, then we would have been part of Punjab, and would have been forced to merge with either India or Pakistan. In worst case scenario, our State which had a special status could have been divided on communal lines, hence loss of our identity and historical and cultural heritage.

He said, Farooq Haider is Prime Minister of this small territory just because this region was part of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir.

UKPNP leader said, we can understand his compulsions, and pressure he faces from the Pakistani establishment, and Pakistani Lent Officers. We feel sorry for the predicament Farooq Haider faces; and assure him that we will not use foul language against him or create any difficulties for him, provided he does not go out of his way to flatter Islamabad, and hurt people of Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, those who are against people of Jammu and Kashmir and their fundamental rights, endorse this view that observation of 16 March as a National Day is a direct challenge to the Two Nations Theory and ideology of accession to Pakistan.

He further added, no matter, what enemies of our independence say or claim, Maharaja Gulab Singh was the founder of Jammu and Kashmir State; and our demand is to attain the State that existed on 15 August 1947.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, we are not hypocrites that we demand unification and independence of the State, which was established and preserved by the Dogra dynasty; and refuse to honour their contribution in conserving our status and identity.

UKPNP leader said, our loyalty lies with Jammu and Kashmir State and our people. No matter what our critics and enemies say, we cannot and will not be loyal to those who occupy us. Next year all units of UKPNP spread over in many countries will honourably observe 16 March as a National Day. END

Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry

Email: Drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com   Twitter: @Drshabir