MUZAFFARABAD (Web Desk) – The observance marked the anniversary of October 27, 1947, when Indian troops arrived in Jammu and Kashmir, an event that Pakistani officials and Kashmiri leaders describe as the beginning of India’s occupation of the territory.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference organised a protest gathering and an anti-India rally in Muzaffarabad. AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani, political representatives, refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, students, government employees and people from different walks of life participated in the event.
The rally began at Burhan Wani Chowk and proceeded towards the office of the United Nations Military Observer Mission, where participants presented a memorandum to UN representatives.
The memorandum called for a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir dispute and demanded that the Kashmiri people be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination.
Leaders renew call for Kashmir resolution
Addressing the gathering, AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani and other speakers paid tribute to those who had lost their lives during the Kashmir freedom movement.
Minister for Energy and Water Resources Raja Saqib Majeed, former All Parties Hurriyat Conference convener Mahmood Sagar and Secretary General Advocate Pervez Ahmed also addressed participants.
The speakers said the sacrifices made by Kashmiris over the decades should not be forgotten, reaffirming their commitment to continuing political and diplomatic efforts for a resolution of the dispute.
They described October 27, 1947, as a significant and painful date in Kashmir’s history, arguing that the events of that day had shaped the political situation in the region for generations.
The speakers maintained that the aspirations of Kashmiris for self-determination remained central to the dispute. They called for sustained international attention and urged the United Nations to play a more active role in addressing the issue.
Appeal to the United Nations
A key demand during the rally was the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions concerning Kashmir.
The speakers urged the international organisation to pursue efforts towards a peaceful settlement that reflects the wishes of the Kashmiri people. They also called on the international community to support dialogue and diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the longstanding dispute.
The memorandum submitted during the rally outlined participants’ concerns and called for international engagement on the question of Kashmir’s political future.
The speakers further alleged that human rights violations continued in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and accused Indian authorities of taking measures that could alter the territory’s demographic composition. These allegations formed part of their appeal for greater international scrutiny.
They stressed that a lasting settlement would require attention to the political aspirations, rights and concerns of the people living in the disputed territory.
Solidarity with Kashmiris
Participants also highlighted the longstanding ties between the people of Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The speakers said people in Pakistan and AJK would continue to express solidarity with Kashmiris seeking self-determination through political and diplomatic means.
They called for unity among political parties and social groups, arguing that differences over domestic politics should not prevent coordinated efforts to keep the Kashmir issue on the international agenda.
A large number of refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, students, government employees and residents attended the event. Participants displayed solidarity with the Kashmiri people and renewed calls for a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
Commitment to continued efforts
The observance concluded with renewed appeals for international engagement and a resolution based on the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Speakers expressed hope that continued political advocacy, diplomatic engagement and international attention would help advance efforts towards a settlement.
Kashmir Black Day is observed annually on October 27 in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to commemorate the events of 1947 and highlight Pakistan’s position on the disputed territory.
The rally in Muzaffarabad reflected the participants’ continuing demand for self-determination and their call for the United Nations to address the Kashmir dispute through peaceful and diplomatic means.
