Kashmir Black Day: 78 Years of Indian Occupation

Every year, on October 27, Kashmiris around the world observe Black Day to protest against India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

On October 27, 1947, Indian forces entered Kashmir without any legal or moral justification. At the time of the partition of British India, the local Kashmiri leadership had decided to join Pakistan, as the region had a Muslim-majority population. However, the then ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, sought military help from India in exchange for accession, leading to the start of a decades-long conflict.

Today, India has deployed around one million troops in occupied Kashmir, making it one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world. For the past 78 years, the people of Kashmir have endured severe oppression and human rights violations.

On August 5, 2019, India revoked Kashmir’s special constitutional status, intensifying the suffering of its people. Since then, communication blockades, mass arrests, and military crackdowns have become routine. Reports suggest that over 200,000 Kashmiris have been killed, more than 100,000 children orphaned, and thousands of women subjected to violence.

According to various human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, the BJP-led Indian government is responsible for serious human rights abuses in the region. Genocide Watch has also warned of the risk of genocide against Muslims in Kashmir.

The United Nations has passed five resolutions calling for the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people, but none have been implemented.

In February 2023, Amnesty International reported that Indian authorities demolished homes in Muslim-majority areas, further violating international human rights laws.

Pakistan observes Black Day every year to remind the world of India’s continued occupation and to stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir, who continue to fight for freedom, justice, and human dignity.