SRINAGAR – Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the worldover will observe Black Day tomorrow to mark the illegal occupation ofJammu and Kashmir by India on 27th October, 1947.
It was on this day when Indian troops invaded Jammu and Kashmir andoccupied it in blatant violation of Partition Plan of the Subcontinent andagainst the Kashmiris’ aspirations.
The day is marked every year to express support and solidarity withKashmiri people in their just struggle for right to self-determination andremind the United Nations and the international community of itscommitments regarding the resolution of this longstanding dispute.
This year the day has achieved greater significance given the unilateraland unconstitutional steps taken by India on 5th August, revoking thespecial status of occupied Kashmir. Since then, the held territory has beenunder complete blockade and communications blackout. The oppressed peopleof occupied Kashmir have been facing acute food and medicines shortage;they are unable even to offer prayers at mosques and children cannot go toschool.
Pakistan has been highlighting India’s illegal annexation of Kashmir atworld fora, sensitizing the international community that this unilateralaction of India can jeopardize the regional peace. Prime Minister ImranKhan forcefully contested the case of Kashmir at the United Nations GeneralAssembly session in September this year, urging the world to actimmediately and press India to lift curfew in occupied Kashmir and provideKashmiris the pledged right to self-determination.
The international community disapproved India’s action of August 5 andexpressed serious concern over the restrictions imposed in occupiedKashmir. The UN Security Council met in closed doors and discussed Kashmirissue and the OIC Contact Group has twice held its meetings on the issue.China, Turkey and Malaysia have also expressed concern over the dire humanrights situation in occupied Kashmir.
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Under the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the nation observesKashmir Day every Friday to express solidarity with oppressed Kashmiris.Pakistan’s civil and military leadership have categorically repeatedlystated that the country will stand by the Kashmiri brethren in their juststruggle for right to self-determination. Pakistan has been emphasizingthat the Kashmir issue should be resolved as per aspirations of Kashmirisand the UN Security Council resolutions.
To mark Kashmiris’ Black Day tomorrow, seminars and rallies will be takenout in different parts of the country. Instructions have also been given toPakistani missions abroad to organize events and engage with PakistaniDiaspora, local parliamentarians, think-tanks and other relevant people tohighlight significance of the day.
Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television have arranged special programs tomark the day. News and Current Affairs Channel of Radio Pakistan willbroadcast special programs in connection with the day to highlight theplight of Kashmiri people.