Srinagar: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called for the observance of October 27 as a Black Day to express opposition to the 1947 Indian military intervention in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC has marked this date as the start of what it views as India’s unjust occupation of the region, contravening the Partition Plan and overlooking the wishes of the Kashmiri populace. The call to commemorate this day as a Black Day is an effort to highlight the historical grievances and ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination.
Illegally detained APHC General Secretary Moulvi Bashir Ahmed Irfani emphasized the significance of October 27, 1947, as a somber milestone in the region’s history. His statement criticized historical biases, notably the British government’s favoritism towards Congress leaders at the expense of Kashmiri rights and political ambitions. Additionally, he condemned the initial atrocities committed by the Indian military during their entry into the valley.
The APHC advocates for a continuous dialogue involving all relevant parties to find a timely resolution to the Kashmir issue. While the desire for peace in South Asia was expressed, the statement stressed that true and enduring peace can only be established through addressing the core of the Kashmir conflict. ZCZC
Kashmir Black Day Observance Highlights Decades of Conflict and Struggle for Self-Determination
Kashmir: On October 27, known as Kashmir Black Day, observers commemorate the anniversary of the Indian military’s entry into the region in 1947, marking the beginning of an enduring conflict centered around the disputed accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. This event triggered widespread militarization, leading to significant human rights abuses and ongoing geopolitical tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the conflict traces back to the controversial decision by Maharaja Hari Singh, the then-ruler of Kashmir, who signed the Instrument of Accession to India in 1947 without the consent of the Kashmiri people. This led to the immediate deployment of Indian troops and the start of a long-standing dispute characterized by intermittent warfare and failed diplomatic initiatives. Despite numerous United Nations resolutions calling for a plebiscite to address the region’s status, such efforts have not materialized, leaving the issue unresolved to this day.
The continued tension has seen a series of escalations, the most recent being the 2019 revocation of Article 370 by the Indian government, which stripped Kashmir of its special autonomy. This action further inflamed the situation, leading to heightened military presence and restrictions on civil liberties in the region. The global community’s lack of decisive action on the matter reflects the complex diplomatic sensitivities surrounding this protracted conflict.
As the international community watches, the plight of the Kashmiri people persists, with their fundamental rights and aspirations for self-determination unfulfilled. The resolution of this long-standing issue remains a key factor in regional stability and the promotion of international human rights standards.