‘Houston, we have a problem’
Houston
Hundreds of people belonging to various ethnicities came out on Sunday in Houston to hold an “anti-Modi demonstration” outside NRG stadium, where they called attention to the “racist Modi regime” and its ongoing human rights violations in India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
“People of every race, colour, gender, and age have taken to the streets to condemn the acts of Modi’s racist regime. The mass protest stands against the supremacist government’s brutal interference in Kashmir,” a post on Twitter by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as US president Donald Trump, were scheduled to speak at the NRG football stadium in Houston where community representatives say they expect 50,000 Indian-Americans for performances followed by the leaders’ remarks.
One of the participants, Maria Kari, said that buses had been arranged to go around the Houston area to pick up protestors. “There are at least three groups that have organised protest rallies,” said Kari. “A lot of Muslims and Pakistanis have gathered here. Tons in fact.”
The crowds beat drums, chanted slogans and some used rap lyrics as a way to communicate their message, calling for world leaders to end the suffering of Kashmiris.
Meanwhile, Pakistanis and other members of the Muslim and Sikh communities were set to hijack the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ rally taking place in Houston, Texas.
Muslims and Sikhs from different cities of Texas – including Houston, Dallas, Austin and Saint Antonio – have chalked out a plan to disrupt Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at the NRG Stadium.
The event will also be attended and addressed by US President Donald Trump.
The Sikh community has joined hands with Pakistanis to protest against New Delhi’s barbaric treatment of Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
The International Humanitarian Foundation has also responded to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call to gather in the city, which is home to over 50,000 Pakistani immigrants, said Saeed Sheikh, president of the Houston-Karachi Sister City Association.
Around 50 buses will be used to transport up to 40,000 people to the protest site, who are are taking part in the protest. Anti-Modi and anti-India banners have been put up around the venue, where Sikhs and Muslims will unite to protest against the brutalities being suffered by the people of Kashmir.
The expenses for the protest are being borne by generous members of the Pakistani diaspora and strict security measures have been taken to ensure safety for all. — Agencies
