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Chain hyphen rally on 14th

to drawn world

attention towards Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: A cross-section of people including journalists and human rights' activists will chain themselves at a protest rally, being held here on March 14, attracting world attention to the reign of terror unleashed by the Indian troops in occupied Kashmir.

The rally, to be held on the eve of President Clinton's visit to South Asia, will be a novel way of protest. The protest included lighting of candles in front of US and European missions in the Federal Capital.

It will start from US Embassy at 6 p.m. and representatives of Human Rights organisation, Ansar Burney Trust will light the candles of peace for some time. Later, the participants of rally will proceed to European Missions.

A larger gathering of Pakistanis and Kashmiris will be held at 7 p.m. in front of United Nations office, at Pak Saudi Tower. The participants will be holding candles, placards and banners to mourn over callous attitude of the world community towards the Kashmiris, who are struggling for their just right of self-determination.

The people will bring candles and flowers with them, to show active participation in the rally.

About the significance of the rally, Ansar Burney said it is a rare kind of protest being arranged in the capital to protest over the massive killing of innocent people across the Line of Control.

This, he said, is message to the world, that Kashmir has become a burning issue between the two neighbouring nuclear powers. The present state of affairs may lead to a big disaster, endangering the peace of the entire world.

He said, "we do not see war, but love to see peace on the beautiful earth of God." He said they have nothing to do with the existing relations of the two countries, but to safeguard the lives of the innocent people.

Outbreak of nuclear war in the region, he said would leave dangerous impact on the security of the neighbouring countries, including Russia, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

He expressed the hope that President Clinton would realise the gravity of the situation, and compel the Indian leadership to resolve the most burning issue of the present time.

Referring to the escalating situation on the Line of Control, the Chairman Burney Trust was hopeful that President Clinton would exert pressure on India to resolve the Kashmir issue according to the resolutions passed by the UN Security Council.

Condemning the atrocities being committed by Indian forces on innocent people of occupied Kashmir, Burney said gross violations of human rights have beaten all the previous records which needed to be given immediate attention by the world forums.

He suggested that President Clinton during his visit should be apprised of the gravity of the situation which could lead to a nuclear conflict between the two atomic states.

He also called upon the Secretary-General of OIC to take cognisance of these brutalities of Indian forces in the occupied Valley and use its influence on India for holding free and fair plebiscite there.ÑAPP