Srinagar: Today, Kashmiris around the world are observing Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, marking the anniversary of the Indian government’s controversial actions on August 5, 2019, which included the revocation of the special status accorded to the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, on this day in 2019, India repealed the special status of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in a move seen as a violation of UN resolutions and international law. The action was accompanied by a significant increase in military and police presence in the territory, leading to severe restrictions on the local population.

The observance of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir is recognized as a Black Day in IIOJK, with solidarity events such as protests, rallies, and seminars being held not only in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan but also by the Kashmiri diaspora in major cities worldwide. These events aim to highlight the dire situation in IIOJK and the harsh measures imposed by Indian troops.

The call for the observance was issued by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), whose leaders have labeled August 5 as a dark milestone in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. They criticized the Indian government’s actions as an attempt to alter the region’s demographic makeup from a Muslim majority to a minority, framing it as part of a broader Hindutva agenda. Despite the ongoing repression, APHC leaders affirm that the Kashmiri people remain resilient and committed to their struggle for self-determination.