Posters in Srinagar thank Gen Asim Munir for supporting Kashmiris

As Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day against Indian occupying forces’ atrocities in held Kashmir, posters commending army chief Gen Asim Munir have allegedly popped up in the troubled valley.

According to the details, posts on social media showed flyers bearing a photograph of Gen Munir, thanking him for his support for Kashmiris.

“Thank you Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir. We are grateful to you for sticking to your national stand regarding the occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir and supporting Kashmiris. Jammu Kashmir Democratic Youth Forum [sic],” the posters read.

Another clip showed one such flyer stuck to what was claimed to be a signboard at the Srinagar Railway Station.

While the posts have gone viral over the internet, Indian law enforcement has rubbished the reports. “Some handles on X and other platforms are falsely claiming anti-national posters in Kashmir. These baseless claims are being amplified without any verification. @cyberpolicekmr is monitoring, and necessary legal action is being taken,” read an official statement on X.

Meanwhile, renowned journalist Hamid Mir has also taken to X to compare the claim to a similar one from three years ago when posters of former prime minister Imran Khan and then-Pakistani army chief Gen Bajwa appeared in the occupied territory.

It may be noted that the posts come as Pakistan marks Kashmir Solidarity Day (KSD) on February 5 to express the country’s support and unity with the people of the troubled valley. Addressing a gathering to mark the day, Gen Munir on Wednesday said that Pakistan was ready to fight 10 wars if needed for Kashmir.

“Pakistan has already fought three wars for Kashmir, and if 10 more wars are required, Pakistan will fight them,” the army chief said, adding that the country would not be intimidated by Indian military’s strength or advanced technological capabilities.

“Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein. If the jugular vein is severed, death occurs. Kashmir is our life,” he emphasised. “Without any doubt, Kashmir will be free one day and become part of Pakistan – the destiny of the people of Kashmir.”

Separately, in his message on KSD, reported by state-run Radio Pakistan on Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari said that this day reminds the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people.

The President added that the United Nations (UN) should honour the promises made to the Kashmiris 78 years ago and support their struggle for their right to self-determination.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Wednesday issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) quoting PM Shehbaz Sharif as saying, “The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny”.

“Today, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation."