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Thousands protest in Pakistan occupied Kashmir after J&K unrest

About 4,000 people gathered in Muzaffarabad, some carrying photos of slain rebel leader Burhan Wani.

Muzaffarabad: Thousands of protesters marched in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Friday to denounce recent deadly clashes with Indian security forces, with some calling for war over the disputed frontier.

About 4,000 people gathered in Muzaffarabad, some carrying photos of slain rebel leader Burhan Wani, whose killing last week sparked unrest that killed 35 people, the deadliest clashes in Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule.

Students, lawyers, traders, political activists and members of militant groups gathered at Friday's protest, where the local head of hardline militant group, Jamat-ud-Dawa, issued a call to arms.

"India understands the language of bullet and not voice of people. We have no other option, just to start an armed struggle," Maulana Abdul Aziz Alvi told the crowd.

"We call on the military and political leaderships that Kashmiri mujahideen (holy warriors) should be allowed to go and fight against the Indian troops and for the freedom movement."

"We came here today to show solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris in Indian-held Kashmir. We want to tell the world about the brutalities against the unarmed civilians in Kashmir," Muhammad Tahir, a 26-year-old student, told AFP.

Wani, a 22-year-old poster boy for the region's biggest rebel group Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed in a gun battle with government forces.

( Source : AFP )
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