Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the rest of the world are all set to observe ‘Black Day’ today to convey extreme resentment and indignation over the continued unlawful and forcible occupation of the bulk of Jammu and Kashmir state by the Indian tyrannical forces.
Call for observance of the black day to be marked by shutdown in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Hurriyat forum led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other pro-freedom organizations.
Illegal annexation of Kashmir last year
On October 27, 1947, Indian troops had invaded Jammu and Kashmir and occupied it in total violation of the essence of partition plan of the subcontinent and against the Kashmiris’ aspirations. The Hurriyat forum in a statement issued in Srinagar said that since October 1947, tens of thousands of Indian troops continue to illegally occupy the territory. It appealed to the Kashmiris living across the globe to hold anti-India and pro-freedom rallies and protests on the day to draw world’s attention towards the unresolved Kashmir dispute and the suffering of the people living in the occupied territory.
The Democratic Freedom Party in a statement terming October 27 as one of the darkest chapters of Kashmir’ history said that the invasion was a naked aggression and an atrocious attack on the political and democratic rights of millions of Kashmiri people.
Meanwhile, posters continued to surface in Srinagar and other areas appealing people to observe a complete shutdown on Tuesday to register their protest against India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. The posters were displayed by different pro-freedom organizations.
Protest marches, rallies and seminars will also be held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and all across the world to condemn the invasion of the territory by Indian Army as well as revocation of Kashmiri’s special status by the Modi-led fascist regime on August 5, last year. The day will be marked by complete shutdown in the occupied territory.
Kashmir Black Day: A day of mourning
The day is observed by the Kashmiris as a day of mourning because the landing of Indian troops on this day in 1947 multiplied the sufferings of the Kashmiris. The annexation of J&K and its bifurcation are a solid proof of the fact that the Indian military presence in the occupied territory is totally illegal and unlawful as per international law. New Delhi’s August 5, 2019 illegal action has vindicated the Kashmiris’ stance that Indian position in J&K is that of an occupying country.
October 27 is the day when India landed its forces in the present-day Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir against the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and in total disregard to the Partition Plan of the Sub Continent and international norms and ethics. Kashmiris who deem 27th of October as the darkest chapter in the IIOJK history also observe it as Black Day to convey to India that they reject its illegal occupation of their homeland. Besides, the aim of observing October 27 as black day is to remind the world of its commitments viz-a-viz Kashmir as UN resolutions uphold the Kashmiris’ right to decide their future through plebiscite. However, for over seven decades now, India has been flouting UN resolutions by continuing with its illegal occupation over IIOJK.
We, Kashmiri people have not forgotten why #October22 is #BlackDay of our history.
Pakistan Army’s Islamist jihadis massacred & raped Sikh, Hindu women & even Christian nuns in Kashmir 73 years ago. But Kashmiris didn’t bow. They gave their lives; #MaqboolSherwani is our HERO. pic.twitter.com/euzCsdwezC— Aarti Tikoo Singh (@AartiTikoo) October 22, 2020
The use of coercion and brutal suppression as means by India to crush the will of Kashmiris warrants the intervention by the United Nations to resolve the Kashmir dispute and stop bloodshed in the territory. Like Pakistan, the world community should also stand by the valiant people of Kashmir in realization of their right to self-determination as acknowledged by the United Nations Security Council.
President, PM Khan advances support to Kashmiris
President Dr. Arif Alvi has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support to Kashmiris in their just struggle for right to self-determination. In his message on the occasion of black day, he paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of Kashmiri people. He said the Kashmiri people have proved that India cannot suppress their voice.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the international community to work for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
In his message on the eve of Kashmir Black Day, he also urged the world to take practical steps to stop India from using state-terrorism as a tool to destabilize the region.
Qureshi and Faraz condemn India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir
The Prime Minister said the international legitimacy of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions, which are binding. He said it is the collective responsibility of all member states to ensure compliance by India of its international obligations.
The Prime Minister said we are observing Kashmir Black Day to condemn Indian illegal occupation of the state and to reiterate our unwavering support to the Kashmiri people struggling for their right to self-determination.
In his message on the occasion of black day, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the brave people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) stand firm and steadfast in their quest for the right to self-determination.
The Foreign Minister called for urgent lifting of the military siege and media blackout in the occupied territory. He said India should stop human rights violations and release Kashmiri leaders and youth.
The Foreign Minister urged the international community to pressurize India to reverse its illegal course in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and restore the Kashmiris’ fundamental human rights.
Read More: Kashmir black day: A day to protest Muslim genocide in IOK
Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri have urged the United Nations to strictly implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and take strict notice of ongoing Indian atrocities in the occupied territory.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz in his message urged the civilized world to take practical steps for providing Kashmiris their legitimate and democratic right to self-determination.