ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and around the world will come together to observe a Black Day, resolutely expressing their rejection of India’s illegal occupation of their homeland and condemning the actions taken by the Modi government on August 5, 2019. The government of Pakistan has announced to observe it as a “Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir”, or a Day of Exploitation.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), in Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has called for a complete shutdown on this day to underscore the gravity of their cause, according to state media.
August 5, 2019, marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history when the Modi-led Hindutva regime took the controversial step of revoking Article 370, which had previously granted special status to the internationally recognized disputed territory. This move was accompanied by a brutal military siege, further escalating tensions and creating a humanitarian crisis in the region.
As the date approaches, posters have emerged in Srinagar and other parts of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, urging people to observe August 5 as Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, or the Day of Exploitation, as well as a Black Day. These posters serve as a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted demands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The core demands put forward by the people of the region include the reversal of the illegal actions taken on August 5, 2019, such as the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. These articles were crucial in preserving the unique identity of the region and its people, and their removal caused widespread concern among Kashmiris.
