Srinagar: Molvi Bashir Ahmed Irfani, a detained leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has declared August 5, the date marking the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, as a “painful and tragic day” for the region, urging widespread protests.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Irfani, from his place of detention, released a statement highlighting the severe repercussions of the Indian government’s actions on August 5, 2019, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He criticized the abrogation of the region’s autonomy, which he said led to the suppression of political, social, and religious freedoms for the local population, branding these actions as a humiliation of humanity.

Irfani detailed a range of grievances against the Indian regime, including mass arrests of thousands of Kashmiris, who were often detained far from their homes across India. He also accused the authorities of conducting fake encounters that resulted in the deaths of young people, gagging the media, and using harsh laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to imprison those who oppose them.

Furthermore, Irfani condemned the ongoing actions of Indian security agencies such as the NIA and SIA, which he claimed are instrumental in confiscating properties and lands belonging to Kashmiris. He also mentioned the demolition of homes and buildings and the dismissal of hundreds from government employment as part of the ongoing oppression.

The APHC leader called for the observance of August 5 as a “Black Day,” urging Kashmiris to protest to demonstrate their refusal to relinquish their right to self-determination. Irfani reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the peaceful struggle for freedom and called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene and support the Kashmiri cause in accordance with promises made by the international community and historical commitments by India.