Flag raising ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall for National Day of Kashmir

Mayor of Rochdale, councillor Mohammed Zaman, council leader Allen Brett, elected members of Rochdale Borough Council, public services, and members of Rochdale’s Kashmiri community gathered at Rochdale town hall on Wednesday (24 October) for the annual Azad Kashmir flag raising.

Led by Javid Akhtar, Chair of Rochdale Kashmiri Association, the ceremony consisted of poems, a recital from the Quran, narration on the brief history of Kashmir and British Kashmiris, and several speeches were made by dignitaries and guests to honour the National Day of Kashmir.

Before inviting children and seniors to help hoist the flag, Mayor Zaman said: “Thank you to all those attending today to show your support and for recognising the situation in Kashmir at the moment.

“There is a large population of Kashmiris in Rochdale. It is very important for young people to attend today and learn of their heritage and identity. I am of Kashmiri heritage myself, so this is an issue very close to my heart.

“I think it is time for the international community to look at the problems in Kashmir and consider action; it’s important to carry out this flag raise across the country to show Kashmir that we support their fight.

“We need to be united, show solidarity and put pressure on the international community to help resolve the daily issues in Kashmir.”

 

 

Councillor Janet Emsley said: “Today is a historical day for Jammu and Kashmir, where we remember forefathers and the sacrifices they made for Kashmiris freedom. The dispute is unresolved, but today brings hope.

“Whatever else is happening in the world, Rochdale is your home and we are one community together.”

Council leader Allen Brett added: “I’ve probably been to Kashmir more recently than my fellow citizens here today, highlighting the phrase fellow citizens. What a beautiful country it is, and the community will always have my full support.”

Councillor Shakil Ahmed said: “I’m very happy that a lot of young people have turned up today. Rochdale has approximately 10,000 to 15,000 Kashmiris living here and in 2012 the council were asked if the Azad Kashmir flag could be raised and their quest was followed through.

“Thank you to all for attending.”

The National Day of Kashmir is celebrated on the 24 October every year, after the government of Azad Kashmir was established on this date in 1947.