Kashmiris should seek inspiration from Karbala, stay steadfast against Indian oppression: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday advised brave Kashmiris, enduring ruthless oppression from Indian occupied forces, to seek inspiration from Karbala martyrs and stay steadfast in their courage and mission to attain their long-sought right of self-determination.

In a series of tweet, the premier said that there are three important messages for us from Imam Hussain AS, his family and followers' sacrifice in Karbala.

“[Firstly,] immortality is earned by those who give the supreme sacrifice of their lives to stand against tyranny and injustice. It is not earned simply by being rich, powerful or educated," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

He said that the throughout history many great Muslims have been inspired by Karbala and have stood against oppression, colonial rule, and injustice. 

"Today, the struggle continues against oppression of occupation and injustice in [occupied Kashmir]," he added.

Processions to mourn Imam Hussain, the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who was martyred in a battle about 1,400 years ago at Karbala, are held around the world in Muharram each year but have been regularly banned in occupied Kashmir since 1989.

Indian forces open fire on Muharram procession

Yesterday, at least 40 people were wounded after Indian forces fired shotgun pellets and tear gas shells at a Muharram procession in occupied Kashmir, witnesses said.

Read more: At least 40 injured as Indian forces open fire on Muharram procession in IoK

Indian authorities had reimposed the ban on Thursday after clashes with mourners who wanted to stage traditional processions for during the holy month.

Jafar Ali, a witness, told AFP that the procession started in the Bemina area on the outskirts of the main city of Srinagar and that government forces were present in heavy numbers.

Ali and other people who witnessed the clashes said security forces fired pellets and tear gas shells to break up the gathering.

"The forces fired pellets at the procession that was mainly peaceful and included women," said another witness Iqbal Ahmad.

At least 40 people were injured, according to witnesses.

About 25 people were taken to a nearby clinic with pellet wounds, some with their faces and bodies covered in pellet marks, a doctor there told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"We moved about a dozen people to other facilities for more advanced treatment," the doctor said.

A police official confirmed the incident, saying: "Some people had gathered and were trying to start a procession, they were dispersed." He did not give details of casualties.