Hurriyat Leaders Call for Observance of August 5 as “Day of Exploitation”

Hurriyat leaders have called on the Kashmiri people to observe August 5 as “Youm e Istehsal” (Day of Exploitation). This date marks the third anniversary of India’s decision to abrogate Article 370/35-A, which granted special status to Indian-illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The leaders, including Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori and Advocate Arshad Iqbal, described the abrogation as a “humiliating assault” on Kashmiris’ identity. They view this move as part of a larger conspiracy aimed at altering the territory’s demography and stripping Kashmiris of their resources, jobs, and right to self-determination.

The Hurriyat leaders condemned India’s settler-colonialism policies, which include the enactment of anti-Kashmiri laws. They urged the international community to take strong action against India’s actions in occupied Kashmir.

In addition to their stance on Kashmir, the leaders also condemned the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israel, labeling it as “state terrorism.” They extended their condolences to Haniyeh’s family and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination.

The call for observing August 5 as a day of resistance reflects the ongoing tension and the leaders’ commitment to opposing the changes imposed by the Indian government in Kashmir.