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Hasan Khomeini supports Kashmir freedom movement

ISLAMABAD: Seyed Hasan Khomeini, grandson of Imam Khomeini, on Thursday voiced support and wished success of Kashmiri freedom fighters struggling for their right to self-determination and, "glory of Islam."

"We pray for the success of freedom fighters of Kashmir, Chechnya and Palestine who are laying down their lives for the cause of Islam and Muslims," he said while addressing a seminar on the role of Imam Khomeini in the revival of Islamic thought.

"I felt spirited when one of the speakers reminded me of my Kashmir origin. I feel unfortunate for not knowing Urdu so that I could have expressed my sentiments to you," Hasan Khomeini said in his brief address at the end of the seminar.

He said it was the duty of all Muslims to express their support for all oppressed Muslim in the world and for those who were striving for the honour and dignity of Islam.

Referring to the services rendered by Imam Khomeini for the cause of Islam, he said the Islamic Revolution was based on Islamic injunctions and principles. "We derive strength and conviction from Islam and Islam only," he added.

Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Bojnourdi, the tutor of Hasan Khomeini, said, "Kashmir is our own issue. We voice support for all Muslim movements being waged across the world against tyranny and anti-Islamic forces. Be in Kashmir, Bosnia, Chechnya etc."

He said Imam Khomeini had a love and affection for Pakistan and, "it is the country that was achieved in the name of Islam."

He said Imam Khomeini ably frustrated the designs of anti-Islamic forces to sow seeds of hatred and sectarianism between different schools of Islamic thought.

In the early days of Islamic Revolution, he recalled, the enemies of Islam tried to whip-up sectarian menace in Iran. "Imam Khomeini announced several steps to foil these nefarious moves. Imam Khomeini called on Shia and Sunni Muslims to celebrate 11 to 17th of Rabi-ul-Awwal as Hafta-e-Wahdat (week of brotherhood) as a mark of unity and brotherhood."

He said the people of Pakistan and Iran were tied through the bonds of religion, culture and history. He expressed the confidence that relations between the two countries would further grow in future.

Wasim Sajjad chairman of the suspended Senate said Imam Khomeini implemented Islamic principles of democracy through a revolution.

He eulogised Imam Khomeini as great leader of 20th century who guided the oppressed people towards the path of liberation and emancipation.

Former army chief Gen. Mirza Aslam Beg (Retd) said under the leadership of Imam Khomeini Iran never compromised on its principles and fully resisted imperialist and arrogant forces of the world.

He said the enemies of Pakistan and Iran were trying to create wedge between the two brotherly countries. But he expressed the confidence that the people of Pakistan and Iran would foil these conspiracies.

Lt. Gen. Hameed Gul (Retd) in his speech said Imam Khomeini was a great, "freedom fighter".

He called on the Muslim Ummah to, "forge unity, practice Ijethad and revive the spirit of Jehad."

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Sajjad Ali Shah said Islamic Revolution of Iran was a message of hope for the oppressed people of the world particularly for Muslims.

Allama Aqeel Turabi said Imam Khomeini realised the dreams of Allama Mohammad Iqbal and always strived for the liberation of oppressed people from imperialism.

Agha Murtaza Pooya in his speech underlined the need for unity and fraternity in the ranks of Muslims.

Jehangir Badar, Secretary General of Pakistan Peoples Party, said Pakistan and Iran enjoyed deep-rooted ties and friendship.ÑAPP