Srinagar, Leaders from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) have expressed gratitude to the Kashmiri diaspora for marking October 27 as Black Day, signifying their objection against the Indian military’s intrusion into Kashmir in 1947.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, various APHC leaders, including Molvi Bashir Irfani, Bilal Siddiqi, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Abdul Ahad, Fayaz Hussain Jafari, Syed Sibte Shabbir Qummi, Maulana Nisar Ahmed Nisar Qasmi, Shafiqul Rehman, and Maulana Musaib Nadvi, issued individual statements in Srinagar. These statements emphasized that both residents of the region and the Kashmiri diaspora remain firm in their commitment not to acknowledge India’s forcible occupation of their homeland and to stand against its military advances, irrespective of the consequences.

The APHC leaders criticized the Indian authorities for their persistent prohibition of Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid, viewing it as a move to prevent residents from arranging protest assemblies against India’s unwelcome presence in the region.

Despite facing adversity from the Indian side, the APHC leaders stressed that the Kashmiri populace remains committed to their pursuit of freedom. They highlighted the profound sacrifices the people of Kashmir are making to achieve the right to self-determination.

In their remarks, the leaders also stated that the global community is becoming increasingly aware of India’s tactics. They believe India aims to prolong the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, intending to shift the region’s majority Muslim demographic to a minority. However, they remain confident that the Kashmiri people will counteract any such strategies and ill-intentions by the present Indian government.