Kashmiri locals take out a pro Indian army rally, chants “Vande Matram”

Jammu: Keeping aside religions, caste, colour and creed, Jammu today thronged to the rally taken out in support of Indian Army and the security forces, including the state police, who are fighting against the 'proxy war' triggered by Pakistan in the Kashmir Valley after the death of Hizb Commander Burhan Wani and along the borders.

Carrying tri-colour, over 1500 youth and school children of the Jammu Province reached the Maulana Azad Stadium to take part in the rally held under the banner of Jammu Citizen Forum--a body comprising of intelligentia, intellectuals besides a common man fighting for the cause and welfare of Jammu, who according to the members, is being discriminated and deprived of its share by the Kashmir Centric leadership since decades. The processionists amid slogans, 'Indian Army Zindabad,' 'VandeMatram', riding on hundreds of motorbikes and scooters took out the rally to express all support to the Army and security forces, who, despite performing their duties in turmoil hit Kashmir Valley are not being acknowledged by the state government.

"Our security forces are fighting for nation's pride and they are sacrificing their lives to safeguard the country," a speaker said. He said the people of Jammu, who stand by the Army, are nationalist forces and they will not let down their morale in this hour of unrest. "No anti-national ideology from any forum either its political or social, operational in Kashmir Valley will be acceptable by Jammu and people in this region will have all support and cooperation of the security personnel," he added.

Meanwhile, Muslims from Jammu also enthusiastically took part in the rally waving the national flag during the rally. "I am an Indian first and then comes my religion," Rafiq Hussain, a participant said. Coming down heavily on the Kashmiri separatists, Mr Hussain said a section of people in the Valley for their personal benefits, are misleading the youth and young minds. "Stern action should be taken against the separatists and all their documents, including passports having Indian attestations should be snapped and let them go to Pakistan and be their citizens," he rued demanding withdrawal of their securities.

"If they cannot live with India then why security cover for them. Withdraw their security and then see, how people show them the real face," he said, adding that a bunch of people have spoiled an atmosphere of entire Jammu and Kashmir for petty interests. "They should be punished with iron hands as they are spoiling our future generations," Mr Hussain said, adding that Kashmir was and will always remain an integral part of India and no force can separate it. Meanwhile, the rally after covering the main markets and baazars of the winter capital, reached 'Balidan Stamb', the memorial of Indian Army, where the participants paid tributes to those sacrificed lives for the country. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Dr Pawan Kotwal received, the rally where a memorandum was also submitted to them. (UNI)