Kashmiri lawmaker: Turks set 'example of steadfastness'

ANKARA (AA) - Expressing solidarity with the Turkish nation on the third anniversary of the failed 2016 July coup attempt, a Kashmiri lawmaker said in a statement that the people of Turkey set a "historic example of steadfastness".

"[Turks] sacrificed [their lives] to uphold democracy and humanity, foiling a coup hatched by Gulenists with patronage of Zionists and imperialists," Abdul Rashid Turabi said, referring to members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) who orchestrated the July 15, 2016 failed coup.

"[On this day], we observe solidarity with our Turkish brothers and sisters against nefarious designs of their foe. We urge upon all freedom loving people and nations to strengthen President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan," said Turabi, who is a member of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

He said, "[Erdogan is the] sole example of courage and uprightness in present world."

"We are especially grateful to President [Erdogan] and Turkish nation for their continued support to Kashmir issue of right of self-determination," Turabi added.

Turkey marks July 15 as Democracy and National Unity Day. The day is commemorated with events honoring those who lost their lives, while defeating the putschists and to remember bravery of the nation.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the legitimate state apparatus, through infiltrations into Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.