MONITORING DESK: Reports coming from across the globe indicate that Kashmir Black Day is being observed by Kashmiris and Pakistanis living all over the world.
27th October in 1947 marks the ill-fated day when the Indian military subjugated the state of Jammu and Kashmir against the will of its people.
“Black Day” which is also called as “Kashmir Black Day is observed every October 27 to mark the illegal incursion of the Valley of Kashmir into India on October 27, 1947.
On October 24, 1947, the valley of Kashmir announced its Independence in accordance with Indo-Pak Partition Plan which empowered the people of Jammu and Kashmir Valley (Kashmir) to decide their fate for joining either of newly independent states (India and Pakistan).
Since majority of Kashmir (over 90 percent) was Muslims; therefore, they decided to join the newly formed Muslim State of Pakistan, which came into being on August 14, 1947.
Since ruling Maharaja of Kashmir was a Hindu, he acceded to India and an illegal and controversial document, the Instrument of Accession was signed on October 26, 1947 between Indian government and Hindu Maharaja of Kashmir.
On October 27, 1947, the Government of India sent forces to snub Kashmiris and occupied a large part of Jammu and Kashmir but failed to occupy whole Kashmir Valley as Kashmiri Muslims strongly fought with Indian forces.
Situation became volatile when India and Pakistan went for war and India went to United Nations, asking UNSC to play its role to stop war and demanded a ceasefire and Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru solemnly declared in United Nations that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir would be decided by the people of the State through Plebiscite.
Since then, Kashmir issue is unresolved although over 15 UNSC resolutions were adopted by UN Security Council for Plebiscite Kashmir.
Auckland, Zealand
The Pakistanis and Kashmiris living in New Zealand held a vigil protest in Auckland to observe the Kashmir Black Day and to protest against the illegal and forcible occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by Indian forces since 1947.
The protestors expressed their support and solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who are victims of Indian atrocities for last 72 years.
In the protest vigil, around 2000 people gathered in main Aotea Square in Auckland city on Sunday, 27 October 2019.
Besides Kashmiris and Pakistanis, people of other nationalities including Bangladeshis, Sri Lankan, Chilean, Fijian and Indian attended the protest.
The protestors wore red shirts that symbolically marked the blood spilled by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for freedom from the Indian occupation.
It is notable that a number of organizations in New Zealand including Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, The New Zealand Muslim Association, South Auckland Muslim Association, Bangladeshi Association of NZ, Sri Lanka Association also participated to express their solidarity with the Kashmiris who are suffering the worst human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Representatives of ‘Amnesty International’ were also present on this occasion.
Speakers in the vigil called out that October 27th is more than just a day of sorrow; it is a time for Kashmiris to renew and affirm their commitment to the pursuit of the Kashmiri right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
They remarked that India has eroded Kashmir’s semi-autonomy over the years and the removal of Article 370 was a brazen show of force and disregard for the political aspirations of Kashmiris who have been waiting for the right to self-determination since it was promised to them under UN Resolutions.
The Kashmiris living in Auckland earlier had organized a protest demonstration on 10 August 2019, while similar kinds of protests are being held regularly in other cities of New Zealand including twice in Wellington.
Sydney, Australia
Kashmiris and Pakistanis living in Sydney protested at Sydney Hyde Park against geonocide being committed by Indian forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
They said that illegal step of revoking Article 370 also paves the way for India to mount a settler-colonial project in Kashmir. After the clamp down of 5th August, the Indian forces have detained over 13,000 young boys and number of troops in the state have risen to one million.
With the complete shutdown spanning almost three months now, residents are experiencing shortage of medical supplies, prescription medication, food and basic necessities. They urged people of conscience to come out and show support and solidarity for the people of Kashmir, at a time in which fascism, Islamophobia, and authoritarianism is on the rise worldwide.
Perth, Australia
High Commissioner Babar Amin delivered lecture on Human Rights and Humanitarian Situation in Kashmir at the University of Western Australia, Perth.
The High Commissioner for Pakistan to Australia, Babar Amin was invited by the Centre for Muslim States and Societies at the University of Western Australia, to deliver a Public Lecture on the “Human Rights and Humanitarian Situation in Kashmir” since the revocation of its special status.
The High Commissioner thanked the Centre for Muslim States and Societies, University of Western Australia for inviting him to speak on a very important issue which is vital for regional peace, security and stability.
High Commissioner, Babar Amin dilated upon the genesis of the Kashmir dispute and the illegal Indian occupation of the Jammu and Kashmir. He also gave the historical background of forcibly taking over of the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian military on 27 October 1947, which is since marked as a Black Day by Kashmiris around the world.
Speaking about the illegal actions of Indian government to abrogate the autonomous status and lifting restrictions on non-J&K persons acquiring permanent residence in IOJ&K, the High Commissioner regarded these as attempt to annex the territory and changing its demography. He elucidated the illegality of these action for being contrary to the International law, UN Charter, several UN Security Council resolutions and the bilateral agreements between Pakistan and India.
High Commissioner Babar Amin apprised the audience about the gravely enhanced human rights violations and the ensuing humanitarian crisis in IOJ&K, since the illegal Indian actions of 05 August this year. He cited the statement of UN Secretary General, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Statement of the members of the UK’s House of Commons, Special sessions of the US House and Senate on Kashmir, and the serious concerns expressed by international human rights organizations and media worldwide on the prevailing lockdown of the 8 million people in IOJ&K.
While reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the High Commissioner emphasized that the International Community including Australia had the responsibility to addressing human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in IOJ&K, on priority putting aside any political and economic expediencies.
The event was well attended by the Pakistanis, Kashmiris including those from the Pandit community and Australians. An interactive Q&A session followed the lecture, in which the attendees took significant interest. The queries of the participants were responded to at length, citing historical documents, principles of international law and opinion of eminent jurists and international human rights organizations.
At the end, the Director, Centre for Muslim States and Societies at the University of Western Australia, thanked the High Commissioner for visiting the University and delivering a scholastic and informative lecture for the benefit of the students and attendees from the public.
Germany
Brussels based EU – Pak Friendship federation Europe (Germany chapter) in collaboration with Pakistani and Kashmiri community and Human rights activists conducting protest and protest was in progress till the filing of this report.
Saudi Arabia
In order to highlight the illegal occupation and continuous on-going human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir by the Indian forces, the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh organized ‘Kashmir Black Day’ in the Embassy.
The event was attended by a large number of Pakistani community members, including Kashmiri leaders.
During the event, prominent speakers from different walks of life, shed light on the genesis of the Kashmir issue, highlighted the ongoing oppression of Kashmiri people, imposition of electronic and social media blackout as well as efforts by India to portray the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as normal.
They, vehemently, rejected all Indian maneuvers to project Jammu and Kashmir as its ‘internal affair’ and pointed out that United Nations Security Council Resolutions in this regard clearly indicate that the fate of Kashmiri people can only be decided by them through a plebisicite.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Raja Ali Ejaz, while thanking the participants for their active enthusiasm in addressing this vital issue, said that Pakistani government and its people have always stood and will continue to stand with the Kashmiri people till they achieve their freedom.
He highlighted that after India abrogated Article 370 of its constitution, stripping Jammu & Kashmir of its ‘Special Status’, the government of Pakistan chalked out a well-thought-out strategy to bring international attention on India’s nefarious designs of making Jammu and Kashmir its permanent part.
He said that India is subjugating the local Kashmiri people by excessive use of force and changing the demographics of the region by settling Indian Hindus there so that in case of any future plebiscite, the settlers may vote in favour of India.
He emphasized that in such scenario the role of each and every Pakistani becomes even the more important and we all should stand unified in addressing the challenges confronting our Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
At the end of the ceremony, special prayers were made for the Kashmiri people, especially the martyrs.
Reports coming from Michigan, Ottawa, Chicago, New York and London indicates that protests are either in progress and would start soon.
UAE
In UAE, Black Day was observed in Pakistan Consulate Dubai. Event was attended by a large number of Pakistani and Kashmiri community living in UAE. During the event speakers lauded the role of Pakistan for effectively highlighting the case of Kashmir at international forum and condemned the atrocities committed by Indian forces inside occupied Kashmir.
Speakers lauded the sacrifices of Pakistan army and assured their full support.
During the event, documentary highlighting the atrocities of Indian forces and suffering of Kashmiri people in IOK was also played.
During the event panaflaxes and banners highlighting Indian atrocities were also displayed.
Speakers demanded international community to play a positive role to force India to lift curfew in IOK and stop human right violations forthwith.
Barcelona, Spain
A big protest took place in Barcelona, Spain was held in collaboration with Pakistani and Kashmiri community at Rambla del Raval (Barcelona, Spain). Participants chanted slogans against India and appealed international community including Spanish government to take serious note of ongoing Indian aggression in IOJ&K.
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Pakistan Embassy in Dushanbe organized a solemn ceremony to observe Kashmir Black Day at the Chancery today. Pakistani community members, civil society including academicians and media representatives participated in the event. The ceremony began with the recitation of Holy Quran and speech by the special guest.
Head of Pakistan Study Centre and Urdu Department of Tajik National University, Dr. Hyder Qurbanov was the special guest speaker on the occasion. Dr. Qurbanov highlighted the historical and cultural linkages between Kashmir and Tajikistan. He also spoke about the role of Syed Ali Hamadani and other Sufis from Central Asia in spreading Islam in Kashmir.
Message of the President was read out by Ambassador Imran Haider. He condemned the Indian occupation, oppression and terrorism in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK) in blatant violation of international law and morality.
Ambassador highlighted the 82 day long inhumane curfew imposed by the India, torture, forced disappearances, media blackout and restrictions imposed on Kashmiris’ freedom of movement.
He urged that International Community to help in achieving the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people guaranteed by UNSC resolutions and bring an end to the inhumane curfew and brutal Indian suppression must end immediately.
First Secretary Rashid Imtiaz read the message of the Prime Minister and expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK). Pakistan’s moral, political and diplomatic support will continue till they achieve their legitimate right of self-determination in accordance with the UN Charter and applicable UNSC resolutions.
To highlight and raise awareness about the sufferings of the Kashmiris in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK), a special documentary and pictorial exhibition was also organized. A poem on the brutalities perpetrated by Indian Security Forces was also recited by Mr. Waris, a community member, on the occasion.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The Kashmir Black Day was observed at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tashkent on 27 October 2019.
Over 100 members of Pakistani community including their family members, few Uzbek dignitaries as well as all Embassy officers and officials participated in the event. Everyone wore black armbands to register their protest.
In the event, Ambassador Dr Irfan Yusuf Shami spoke about importance of both Kashmir Black Day and long-standing and unresolved Kashmir issue. He highlighted continuous atrocities and worst kind of brutalities being committed by Indian Forces in occupied Jammu & Kashmir since 1948.
The ambassador also briefed about persistent efforts of government to support Kashmir cause at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He specially mentioned recent report of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reputable HR organizations and international media on Kashmir which clearly exposed horrific Indian brutalities and human rights violations.
Irfan Yusuf Shami underlined Pakistan’s continued strong moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri people to achieve inalienable right to self-determination, pledged to them under several UNSC resolutions.
Videos and documentaries of brutal Indian atrocities were shown to the audience. Moreover, posters, banners and pamphlets, depicting innocent victims of Indian aggression were also prominently displayed.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for all innocent Kashmiri Shuhada and our valiant armed forces personnel who had laid down their lives defending the Line of Control in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Special prayers were also offered for urgent and amicable resolution of Kashmir issue, in accordance with several outstanding UN Security Council Resolutions.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
On 27 Oct 19, Civil society in Dhaka staged a protest in front of Dhaka press club, against Indian state terrorism and atrocities in IOK on eve of International Kashmir Black Day.
Speakers condemned persecution of Kashmiri Muslims at the hands of Indian occupied forces and expressed solidarity with Kashmiris while demanding independence and justice for Kashmir.
Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
Today, in order to observe Kashmir Black Day, a gathering was organized at Pakistan Embassy Kazakhstan.
Complete Embassy staff and important Pakistani community members attended the event. It is important to mention that this was first such event as Kazakh authorities do not allow protests/ gatherings etc over controversial issues. At the event, Pak Ambassador and DA(P) Kazakhstan addressed the gathering pledging solidarity, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for right of self-determination. Both speakers also condemned Indian brutalities, demanded lifting of curfew from the Valley and urged UN and international community to provide the right of self-determination to Kashmiri people promised to them by UNSC Resolutions.
Colombo/Kandy, Sri Lanka
On 27 Oct 19, Colombo Station arranged a ‘Protest Demo’ on “Kashmir Black Day” in front of High Commission of India, Kandy while highlighting the Indian atrocities / HRVs in IOK, Illegal Occupation of Kashmir by Indian Forces and hegemonic designs of RSS / BJP in the region.
A big number of Sri Lankans including from Civil Society organisations participated in the protest who displayed Banners / Placards in front of High Commission of India, Kandy while a ‘Memorandum’ condemning the inhuman / brutal treatment of Kashmiri’s was handed over to the Indian Asst High Commission.
Moreover, Poster campaign in Colombo has also been undertaken while displaying Posters at Prominent Places and Public.
On 27 Oct 19, Colombo station arranged a Seminar / Photo Exhibition in coordination with “Diplomatic Wing” on “Kashmir Black Day” at BMICH, Colombo under the auspices of “Kashmir Study Forum, Sri Lanka” to highlight the Indian atrocities / HRVs in IOK, Illegal Occupation of Kashmir by Indian Forces and hegemonic designs of RSS / BJP in the region.
Key Speakers (Mr. Latheef, Journalist / Author and Mr. Jamal-ud-Din, Chairman Kashmir Study Forum, Sri Lanka) talked on “Kashmir Issue” while Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan also dilated upon the importance of Kashmir Issue and Indian atrocities in IOK.
Tehran, Iran
Protest was staged in front of Indian Embassy Tehran to mark Kashmir Black Day.
The protest was staged by Pakistani and Kashmiri students to express support for the struggle of the Kashmiri brothers against the atrocities being committed by Indian state in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The participants held placards condemning the brutal occupation of 27 October 1947 and continuous grave human rights violations by Indian occupation forces with focus on repealing of special status of Jammu & Kashmir state by Indian Government.
The protesters also used bandages on their eyes portraying the suffering of Kashmiri men, women and children who were targeted by pellet guns on their eyes.
Pretoria, South Africa
The High Commission of Pakistan, Pretoria observed the kashmir Black Day at High Commission of Pakistan to condemn the oppression of Indian forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Pakistani and Kashmiri community participated in the event. High Commissioner of Pakistan, Pretoria Dr. Sohail Ahmed Khan and other guest speakers from Diaspora delivered the speeches on Kashmir. A documentary on Kashmir was also played.
Pakistani community also displayed the Kashmir Black Day stickers on their personal cars, businesses and locations.
Bangkok, Thailand
The Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad delivered a speech on the topic of state of Muslim world. Besides the problems faced by Muslims world he also updated the audiences about 27 Oct Kashmir Black Day, human rights violations, UN resolution on Kashmir and atrocities in Kashmir.
Ottawa, Canada
The Kashmiris and Canadians of Pakistani origin organized a peaceful demonstration in front of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa to condemn the humanitarian disaster prevailing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.
The demonstrators held placards and banners highlighting sufferings of the Kashmiris at the hands of Indian armed forces in occupied Kashmir.
Ottawa, Canada
The Kashmir Committee of National Capital Region organized an event related to Kashmir Black Day at Ottawa, in which, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada Raza Bashir Tarar said that use of pellet guns, abduction, illegal imprisonment, destruction of residential property and a complete communication blackout are some of the pernicious manifestations of the illegal Indian occupation of Kashmir.
The High Commissioner said that Kashmiris are caged like animals in their homes without access to health and educational facilities; their political leadership has been arrested; 13,000 students have been picked up and taken to unknown locations; youngsters are being blinded with pellet gunshots and underlined that the sufferings could lead to radicalisation of the Kashmiris who, otherwise are seeking the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.
Texas, USA
A Seminar to observe Kashmir Black Day was organized by Pakistan American Association of Texas (PAAT). A Consul General of Pakistan was the Chief Guest in the Seminar.
Raja Muzaffar Kashmiri, Dr Amer Suleman, Imran Younis (ICNA), Mobashir Wariach (Friends of Kashmir), Dr Amer Qureshi (APPAC), Iqbal Haider, Dr Javaid Ajmal, and Sardar Surinder Singh addressed the audience on ‘Kashmir Black Day’.
