IIOJK’s Defiance: The Call for The Black Day, Today!

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has boldly declared October 27 as Black Day, sending a harsh message to the BJP-led Hindutva government and the global community. This act of defiance underscores Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) rejection of the Indian military presence and their unwavering quest for freedom.

From behind bars, APHC leaders like Masarrat Alam Butt and Shabbir Ahmed Shah urged the people of IIOJK to observe a complete shutdown. Their message is clear: they will not rest until they reclaim their UN-recognized right to self-determination.

The APHC describes India’s 1947 invasion as a blatant act of aggression, lacking any legal or moral grounding. They assert this invasion stripped Kashmiris of their political and democratic rights and violated international law. Such an assertion should not be taken lightly; it reflects a profound sense of injustice felt by the Kashmiri people.

Leaders warn that the ongoing political injustices, coupled with India’s illegal occupation and Hindutva agendas, threaten the very identity of those in IIOJK. This situation endangers not only their rights but also regional peace and stability.

Despite relentless oppression, Kashmiris have shown remarkable resilience. The APHC leaders affirm that they have resisted Indian dominance in the past and will continue to do so. Their determination is commendable, yet it remains to be seen whether their sacrifices will yield results. They also implore the international community to act decisively to end India’s occupation.

Leaders from the APHC-AJK chapter have further emphasized India’s ongoing genocide against Kashmiris since 1947. They insist that observing Black Day globally serves as a clear rejection of forced occupation, reiterating their commitment to a peaceful struggle for freedom. They argue that India’s aggression initiated in 1947 is the root cause of the Kashmir conflict, perpetuating instability in South Asia for over 77 years.

The APHC-AJK leaders draw unsettling parallels between India’s settler colonialism and that of Israel. Such comparisons highlight the fear instilled in Kashmiris, making them feel increasingly unsafe in their homeland. Since the BJP stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status in August 2019, the situation has only deteriorated.

Despite India’s intimidation tactics, the leaders argue that the resolve for self-determination remains unbroken. Rafiq Ahmed Dar from the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front echoes this sentiment, insisting that Kashmiris will not compromise their right to resist.

The events of October 27, 1947, marked a turning point. Indian troops, violating the spirit of the Partition Plan, invaded Jammu and Kashmir, ignoring the will of its people. This dark chapter of history fuels the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-determination. The time for action is now. Kashmiris are steadfast in their fight against oppression, determined to reclaim their homeland.