Islamabad (Pakistan Khabar): Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and around the world are observing Black Day today, October 27, to draw the international community’s attention to the Kashmir dispute and the Kashmiri people’s struggle for the right to self-determination.
On October 27, 1947, India landed its troops in Srinagar, marking the beginning of its military occupation of Kashmir. Kashmiris observe the day as Black Day every year to protest against the move.
A complete shutdown and protest demonstrations have been announced in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while Kashmiris living in various countries will hold rallies and other protest activities. Demonstrators will demand that the Kashmir dispute be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions and that the Kashmiri people be granted their right to self-determination.
In Muzaffarabad, a march will also be held from Srinagar Highway towards the Line of Control. Participants will protest against India in Hattian Bala, an area of Jhelum Valley district.
President’s Message
In his message on Kashmir Black Day, President Asif Ali Zardari urged the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organisations, to take serious notice of the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and play an effective role in securing a just, peaceful and lasting resolution to the dispute.
President Zardari said October 27, 1947, was a tragic day when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, beginning a long and painful chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for the Kashmiri people’s longstanding aspirations and their continued struggle to secure their fundamental and inalienable right to self-determination.
People of Azad Kashmir Express Solidarity
On Black Day, the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir said the Kashmiri people’s struggle against India’s illegal military occupation of occupied Kashmir on October 27, 1947, was still continuing.
Residents demanded that the people of occupied Kashmir be given the right to decide their political future in accordance with United Nations resolutions. They said Kashmir was Pakistan’s jugular vein and that the Kashmiri people shared an unbreakable bond with Pakistan.