Communities mark independence day

THE Mayor, Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, and Mayoress, Councillor Yasmin Toor, join men, women and children to raise flags at the Pakistani Community Centre to celebrate Pakistan’s independence day

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MEMBERS of two Oldham communities have celebrated their countries’ independence day.

The Pakistani community turned out in numbers on Friday to mark the declaration of independence on August 14, 1947. The flag of Pakistan was raised at the Pakistani Community Centre in Glodwick.

The Mayor, Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, and Mayoress, Councillor Yasmin Toor, attended to help commemorate the day.

This was followed on Saturday by the Indian community’s celebration of independence day. People gathered at the Indian Association community centre in Schofield Street to mark the 68th anniversary of the end of British rule. The Mayor and Mayoress were guests of honour.

Councillor Rehman said: “The Indian community is the most law-abiding community in the borough. Their huge contributions for the wellbeing of Oldham have been highly appreciated by everyone.”

The president of the Indian Association, Bharatkumar Sisodia, added: “It is indeed a great cause for celebration for all Indians, but also for the whole world; the celebration of victory of the principles of non-violence, as preached by Mahatma Gandhi. We need to promote these wonderful human values of love and non-violence in today’s world.”

twitter: @IramRamzanOC