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Late last week, Atlanta Kashmiris held a vigil in front of the Center for Civil and Human Rights to protest violence in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

The violence overseas erupted when demonstrators marched in support of a young Kashmiri girl who had been assaulted and illegally detained by Indian Armed Forces. Indian troops in the heavily militarized zone fired at the protesters, killing several. The authorities also suspended internet service and imposed a curfew on the area.

In response, Kashmiris around the world have hosted candlelight vigils and sit-ins to protest of the unacceptable violence against their people. Local Kashmiri families organized the Atlanta vigil. Participants carried flyers, placards and LED candles while they prayed for the dead and informed passersby of the issue.

“It was a way to let people in Kashmir know that we have not forgotten them and share their pain every day,” said Ishtyaq Qadri, one of the vigil organizers. “Not many people know about the atrocities and human rights violations that happen in Kashmir every day with no respite. The vigil was a way to highlight those issues.”

A video of the vigil can be viewed below.

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