The Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, on Sunday said that October 27, 1947, was the darkest day in the history of the subcontinent, as on that day India illegally occupied the state of Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). In his message on October 27, Black Day of Kashmiris, he said on that day, India illegally annexed Jammu and Kashmir by landing its troops against the wishes of Kashmiris, the federal minister for information said. “Despite the atrocities and brutal policies of the Indian fascist government, the valiant Kashmiri people are fighting bravely for their freedom,” said the minister. Attaullah Tarar expressed his belief that Kashmiris would soon reach their destination and their dream of freedom would become a reality. He said, “Kashmiri people will never accept India’s usurpation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.” He maintained that Pakistan was a strong supporter of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s bold stand on the Kashmir issue was a strong expression of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause and its desire for a just and peaceful solution to the long-standing conflict, he remarked. Tarar said Pakistan had never backed down from advocating the legitimate cause of Kashmiris at international forums. “Pakistan always stands with the Kashmiri people and will continue to support their right to self-determination,” he added. “The only acceptable solution to the Kashmir dispute issue is a plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations,” he said. The minister urged the international community to play its role to find a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue and pressurize India to stop gross human rights violations in Kashmir. Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and world over are observing Black Day today, marking 77 years since Indian troops illegally entered into the valley on 1947. It was on October 27, 1947 that Indian troops invaded Jammu and Kashmir in blatant violation of the Partition Plan and occupied region against the will of the Kashmiri people. The day is being marked by a complete shutdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Protest marches, rallies, and seminars will be held in Pakistan and across the globe. In Azad Kashmir, protest marches, rallies and seminars will also be held at all the Districts and Tehsil headquarters to condemn the Indian Army’s invasion on October 27, 1947 and the revocation of the special status of IIOJK by the BJP-led Hindutva government of India. In the state capital Muzaffarabad, Kashmir Liberation Commission has arranged a protest demonstration followed by a rally. Similarly, Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri Refugees, other Hurriyat organizations and political and religious parties have arranged anti-India rallies and seminars to observe the Black Day. President AJK Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry and Prime Minister Ch Anwarul Haq have appealed Kashmiris all over the world to register their protest against India.