Jammu, The Indian National Congress unit in occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has announced plans to mark October 31 as a black day. The date commemorates the implementation of the so-called Reorganization Act from four years prior. The observance aims to protest against the policies of the Modi-led Indian government which are perceived to strip the Kashmiri people of their democratic rights.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, the Indian government, on August 5, 2019, controversially revoked the special status of IIOJK under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This resulted in the bifurcation of the territory into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The aforementioned Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, dictating this division, was put into effect on October 31, 2019.

IIOJK Congress President Vikar Rasool Wani voiced his concerns during a party gathering in Rajouri. “While the Jammu and Kashmir administration and certain individuals have termed this as a temporary move and are gearing up to celebrate UT diwas, the Congress perceives it as a stark reminder of the day when the BJP downgraded a full state into two union territories, thereby infringing upon the democratic rights of its residents,” Wani said.

The President also criticized the BJP for their intention to celebrate ‘UT diwas’ on October 31. This, despite their failure to restore the statehood and democratic norms in IIOJK, a commitment they had previously made in the parliament. Wani expressed, “It’s audacious for the BJP to strip J and K of its special status and statehood, and then partake in UT Diwas celebrations.”

Wani accentuated that the divisive actions of the BJP-led Indian government have wreaked havoc on the occupied territory. He called for an immediate restoration of its original statehood, emphasizing the significant economic, employment, and business downturns the region has suffered under the saffron party’s policies.