Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and the world over will observe Black Day today to convey to the world that they reject India’s illegal occupation of their homeland and will not rest till they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination.
Indian troops had invaded Jammu and Kashmir on October 27 in 1947 and occupied it in total violation of the Partition Plan of the subcontinent and against the Kashmiris’ aspirations.
The day will be marked by a complete shutdown in Indian-held Kashmir, a march towards Lal Chowk in Srinagar and protest rallies in world capitals. Call for the shutdown and march has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Gilani. The shutdown in the occupied territory is continuing for the last 82 days, however the strike on Sunday will be intended to mark the black day.
The observance of the Black Day this year is also aimed at drawing attention of the world community towards the sufferings of the people of the occupied valley due to the military lockdown imposed by India in the territory.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Khan Gandapur said the government has finalized all arrangements to mark October 27 as ‘Black Day’ at national and international level in a befitting manner to express solidarity with the people of the occupied valley facing illegal occupation for the last 72 years and heightened oppression and curfew since August 5.
“This year, people from across the world will observe October 27 as Black Day after the Indian government stripped the Kashmir of its special status on August 5,” he said while addressing a press conference here. He said the government has chalked out a comprehensive programme to observe the day by highlighting brutalities and massive human rights violations being committed by the Indian troops to suppress the indigenous freedom struggle of Kashmiris, who want their legitimate right to self-determination in line with the resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council.
According to the plan, the minister said a briefing will be given to all foreign missions stationed in Islamabad on the latest situation in the valley. Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad would organize receptions for Pakistanis and Kashmiris, hold rallies and processions and arrange photo exhibitions displaying Indian atrocities and the prolonged curfew.
The minister said public gatherings, rallies, walks and protest demonstrations will be arranged at district and tehsil level across the country including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. Black banners, hoardings and streamers would be displayed at prominent roads and places to mobilize the masses about Kashmir cause, he added.