Boxer Amir Khan visits LoC to express solidarity with Kashmiris

Pakistani-origin British boxer Amir Khan visited the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday to meet the families affected by India’s ceasefire violations and to express solidarity with the people in occupied Kashmir.

Speaking to media on the occasion, Khan said the purpose of his visit was to advocate for peace and to bring attention to the plight of the Kashmiris besieged in the occupied valley since August 5, when India revoked the region’s special status and cut off all communications there.

He told reporters that he met with the families affected by unprovoked firing by Indian troops along the LoC, and pledged to help the victims with funds from the Amir Khan Foundation.

“My heart beats with the people of [occupied] Kashmir who are living under siege. I condemn India’s actions [in occupied Kashmir]. People are being killed and tortured there,” the boxer said, as he urged the international community to help end the human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces in the occupied valley.

“I will continue to be the voice of Kashmiris against the brutalities of Indian [occupation]. I will tell people back in Britain about the situation here,” Khan said.

The boxer added that Azad Kashmir was peaceful and people in Azad Kashmir were free to go about their daily lives. “Whereas in occupied Kashmir, people are living in fear and under siege,” he lamented.

Khan further called on celebrities worldwide to raise their voice in support of Kashmiris.  

The boxer had announced his LoC visit on Saturday and thanked the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Asif Ghafoor for organising his visit. 

"I’m visiting Pakistan, Line of Control( LOC), to make my voice heard, bring greater awareness to the terrible situation in Kashmir and call for peace @UN charter Thank you @officialdgispr for the opportunity," he had tweeted.