Surrey-Sunday March 3, A rally was held to denounce the escalation of the war between India and Pakistan. The rally was in response to the Pulwama attack in a highly fortified army patrolled area in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir region. After the armed resistance attack on the Indian CRPF convoy of 2500 in which about 40 soldiers were killed on February 14 of last month, within minutes, India proclaimed the attack was orchestrated by Pakistani Group JeM. In retaliation, India attacked the JeM’s Camps inside Pakistan. India claimed to have killed about 250 to 350 “Terrorists” in the “surgical Strike” by the Indian Air Force. Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor of the Pakistan Army on February 25th released a statement, “ Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage.`
On February 26, there was another attempt by the Indian Forces that entered the Pakistan Airspace, which resulted in a dogfight. Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor stated, `In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area.`
Amid the rising tension and to stop the escalation of the war, many Indians and Pakistanis have held “No“ war and Peace Rally across the world.
The Rally in Surrey was Hosted by Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians and SANSAD – South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy.
MP Ken Hardie who attended the rally addressing the crowd said, `The world needs more of Canada, Remind your friends that there are places in Canada where people live in Peace and harmony`. MLA Rachna Singh also was disturbed about the escalation in the disputed Kashmir region. She said, `There are forces back home and here that is willing to divide us, calling for war, and asking for revenge.`
Ex Premier of BC Ujjal Dosanjh expressed his concerns and stated, `The world does not need war, 70 plus years ago it was one country, we are the same people, same blood, same culture, same jokes. If we can live here in peace along each other why can`t you live together in the sub continent. In fact India and Pakistan should be fighting hunger, poverty, injustice, inequality. They need ideas and progressive politics.`
Haroon khan reminded the crowd about the injustice that is happening in Kashmir. He Said, ‘I hope we feel compassionate for each other. `
At the end of the rally, Shahzad Nazir Khan one of the organizers thanked all the participants saying, `you who came out to Say Yes to Peace and No to War Rally & renewed & refreshed each others faith in peace, friendship and harmony. CPPC and SANSAD share the best of gratitude to you all. Peace to you all. Let the efforts grow for a peaceful South Asia. `
Report courtesy by: Al-ameenpost.com
