Srinagar: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to observe October 27 as a ‘Black Day’, marking it as a strong protest against the Indian military presence and ongoing occupation. This call to action aims to resonate with both the Indian government and the international community, highlighting the Kashmiris’ enduring struggle for autonomy and self-determination.

According to Kashmir Media Service, leaders of the APHC, currently incarcerated including Chairman Masarrat Alam Butt and Shabbir Ahmed Shah have distributed messages from jail, calling for a complete shutdown in the territory. This act of civil disobedience is intended to signal their unyielding quest for the UN-recognized right to self-determination. The leaders categorically condemned the initial invasion of Jammu and Kashmir by Indian forces on October 27, 1947, labeling it an unjust act that contravened international law and suppressed the political and democratic rights of the Kashmiri people.

The APHC leadership underscored the ongoing political injustice and the imposition of India’s Hindutva agenda, which they claim threatens the cultural identity and peace in the region. Despite severe repression, they noted that the Kashmiri resistance remains steadfast and hopeful of achieving their goals.

Additionally, APHC-AJK chapter leaders highlighted the historical grievances dating back to the alleged genocide initiated by India since the occupation began in 1947. They draw a parallel with Israeli settler colonialism, voicing concerns over the safety and security of Kashmiris in their own land, especially following the revocation of IIOJK’s special status in August 2019.

The leaders called on the international community to actively intervene to end the occupation and support Kashmiris in their quest for freedom. Events and observances are planned globally to mark this day, reflecting a collective rejection of Indian authority and a reaffirmation of the Kashmiri struggle for independence.