Srinagar: Hurriyat leaders have called upon the Kashmiri populace to observe August 5 as “Youm e Istehsal” (Day of Exploitation), marking the third anniversary of the revocation of Article 370/35-A by India’s government, which had granted special status to the region of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, prominent figures such as Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Advocate Arshad Iqbal, and others issued statements in Srinagar condemning the Indian government’s actions as a “humiliating assault” on the Kashmiri people’s identity and territorial integrity. They criticized these measures as part of a broader intent to alter the demography of the territory and strip the local population of their resources, employment opportunities, and their right to self-determination.

The leaders also voiced their disapproval of India’s policies, which they described as settler-colonialist, including the introduction of laws that they believe are detrimental to the interests of Kashmiris. Moreover, they expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, denouncing the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israel as an act of “state terrorism” and extending condolences to his family and supporters.

The Hurriyat’s call emphasizes their demand for international attention to the ongoing situation in Kashmir and the broader geopolitical tensions affecting regions under dispute.