Kashmiris worldwide mark Black Day
Global events reaffirm right to self-determination
ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world observed October 27 on Monday as Black Day to denounce India’s 78-year-long illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and to reaffirm their resolve to continue the struggle for freedom.
The call for observance was given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. In occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian police had warned people and shopkeepers against shutting down their businesses, while surveillance cameras were placed on high alert to monitor public activities across the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region. However, black flags, protest rallies, and seminars were held in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, Europe, the United States, and other capitals. It was on this day in 1947 that Indian troops forcibly landed in Srinagar and occupied the territory in violation of the Partition Plan and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The APHC, in a statement issued in Srinagar, appealed to the United Nations and the international community to fulfill their obligations by implementing UN Security Council resolutions guaranteeing Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. It also demanded the release of all detained Hurriyat leaders, including Masarrat Aalam Butt, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Mohammad Yasin Malik, and Aasiya Andrabi.
Mass anti-India demonstrations were also held in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bagh, Bhimber, and Rawalakot, where participants raised slogans of “Go India Back” and “We Want Freedom.”
In Islamabad, Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Engineer Amir Maqam, led a rally to express unity with the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Memoranda addressed to the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan were submitted in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad, demanding implementation of UN resolutions.
In the US, the World Kashmir Awareness Forum organized a seminar in Springfield, Virginia. Attended by members of the Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora, scholars, and human rights activistsurged the world to help implement UN resolutions on Kashmir.
In Srinagar, daily wagers staged a protest against decades of exploitation by the occupation regime. Indian police under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration also attached 17 kanals and 2.5 marlas of land belonging to a civilian in Mendar area of Poonch district. Staff Report
