ISLAMABAD – Whole Pakistani nation along with Kashmiris on both sides ofthe Line of Control and the world over are observing Black Day today toconvey to the international community that they completely reject India’sillegal occupation of held Kashmir.
It was on this day in 1947 when Indian troops invaded Jammu and Kashmir andsubjugated it in blatant violation of partition plan of the subcontinentand against the will and aspirations of Kashmiris.
This year’s day is of special significance as it is being observed in thebackdrop of illegal and unilateral step of India to annex Kashmir on 5th ofAugust.
The day highlights the 72 years of struggle of Kashmiris in their quest toright to self-determination.
President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other leaders in theirmessages on the occasion have reiterated complete support to the just causeof Kashmiris in their alienable right to freedom from Indian occupation.
Several programs, including rallies and seminars, are being held throughoutthe country to express solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir.
In capital Islamabad, documentaries are being played on large screensinstalled at key places in which Indian atrocities on innocent Kashmirisand the human tragedy unfolding in the territory is depicted. Stickers andbanners of Black Day are pasted on public service buses and stops alongwith prominent places.
Pakistan National Council of the Arts has arranged a number of programsincluding a photographic exhibition depicting the plight of Kashmiris, andairing of two dramas titled ‘half widow’ and ‘curfew’.
The cellular phone companies have sent special messages on Black Day totheir consumers.
Arrangements have also been made in all four provinces with banners,stickers and rallies to condemn the illegal occupation of India on Kashmir.
Pakistani missions abroad to organize events and engage with PakistaniDiaspora, local parliamentarians, think-tanks and other relevant people tohighlight significance of the day and remind the international community ofits obligation to use its influence over India to resolve this decades longconflict. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its missions abroad havealso published editorials and opinion pieces in foreign press to highlightthe critical state prevailing in Occupied Kashmir.
Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television are running special transmissions tomark the day. Radio Pakistan’s News and Current Affairs channel is runninga daylong special marathon transmission titled Ham Tumharay Sath Hain’ inwhich prominent political and social personalities will voice their opinionagainst the human rights violations of Kashmiris. Similar arrangements havebeen made by private radio and TV channels.
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In Azad Kashmir, rallies, demonstrations and protest gatherings are beingheld in all small and big cities of the state under the auspices of KashmirLiberation Cell, Hurriyat and religious organizations.
Main function of the Black Day is being held in the state capitalMuzaffarabad. Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan is presiding over thefunction. A rally will also be taken out at the end of program.
All the three radio stations of AJK are airing special programs inconnection with Black Day.
Meanwhile, in Occupied Kashmir, complete shutdown is being observed todayto mark the Black Day, though a complete shutdown already exists in theoccupied territory for the last 83 days.
All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Gilani in a statement hasasked the people of occupied Kashmir to march towards Lal Chowk ofSrinagar, today and hold a sit-in protest to show the world that resistanceof Kashmiri people does not need the means of telecommunications for theirsurvival.
Meanwhile, restrictions have been further tightened in the Occupiedterritory in view of the call for march towards Lal Chowk on the occasionof Black Day, today.
According to KMS, the deployment of Indian forces has been increased.
People continue to observe shutdown with main markets continue to shut,public transport off the roads and school buildings deserted look withoutstudents and staff as a mark of silent protest against India’s illegalaction on 5th August.
On the other hand, life remains paralyzed in Kashmir Valley and Muslimmajority areas of Jammu region on 84th day.
Normal life continues to hit badly due to restrictions and gag on internetand most of cellular services.
