No reference to a protest rally held by United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) members/supporters in Muzaffarabad on 5 February 2001 could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

However, several articles reported on 5 February 2001 a rally in Muzaffarabad held by the "Kashmir Federation of NGOs" in recognition of Kashmir Solidarity Day as a mark of solidarity with the "oppressed Kashmiris" in Indian Kashmir (Business Recorder 6 Feb. 2001; ibid. 5 Feb. 2001). The rally was addressed by "leaders of political, religious and freedom fighters organisations" (ibid.) and was to be observed with a "renewed pledge by the people to continue their liberation struggle till the achievement of the right of self-determination" (Radio Pakistan 4 Feb. 2001).

No reference to any arrests or injuries during this rally could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Business Recorder. 6 February 2001. "Protest Demonstrations Held in Azad Kashmir on Solidarity Day." (Financial Times Information/NEXIS)

_____. 5 February 2001. "Kashmir Solidarity Day on Monday." (Financial Times Information/NEXIS)

Radio Pakistan [Islamabad, in English]. 4 February 2001. "Pakistan: Rallies, Seminars to Mark Day of Solidarity with Kashmiris 5 February." (BBC Monitoring South Asia/NEXIS)

IRB Databases

Jane's Intelligence Review

LEXIS/NEXIS

Resource Centre. Pakistan country file.

World News Connection

Internet sites, including

Dawn.net

The Hindustan Times

International Relations and Security Network

Kashmir Monitor

Kashmir News

Kashmir Observer Online

Kashmir Times

Pakistan News Service