Black Day observed across IIOJK, around the world on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir

Despite India's narrative framing of integration, the move remains a violation of UN resolutions

Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), along with members of the Kashmiri diaspora across the world, observed August 5 as a "Black Day" to protest the Modi government's 2019 decision to revoke the region's special constitutional status, the Kashmir Media Service (KMS) reported on Thursday.

Seven years ago, the Modi-led Indian parliament revoked Articles 370 and 35A, ending the “special autonomous status” of IIOJK. Despite India's narrative framing the move as a historic achievement of peace and integration, the reality remained that the country violated the United Nations (UN) resolutions regarding the disputed territory.

KMS asserted that to highlight the blatant international law violation, Kashmiris in IIOJK observed the anniversary of the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes with protests, a shutdown in parts of the region, and renewed political calls for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as per the statements issued by political leaders of the valley.

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The media outlet reported that residents in the IIOJK, along with members of the Kashmiri diaspora in several countries, observed the "Black Day" to protest New Delhi's decision to revoke the region's special constitutional status in 2019. It also said that solidarity events were organised in different parts of the world.

According to KMS, Indian authorities deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel across the occupied valley to prevent anticipated demonstrations. Despite the security arrangements, the media outlet stated that protesters gathered at several locations and a shutdown was observed following a call by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the IIOJK.

It further said Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leaders and legislators marched from Anantnag to Udhampur, while Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti led a torchlight procession and sit-in protest in Srinagar.

Protesters also called for the release of Kashmiri political detainees, it added.

In New Delhi, members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) held a demonstration outside parliament demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, KMS confirmed.

The media service said the JKNC, Congress and other opposition lawmakers reiterated their demand for the restoration of the region's constitutional and democratic rights.

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Speaking on the illegal constitutional move by the Indian government, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq described August 5 as "a bitter reminder of the disempowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir" and said Kashmiris remained committed to protecting their identity and fundamental rights despite continuing challenges.

KMS also quoted the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir as saying, "Seven years have passed, but we have not forgotten the wounds inflicted by India."

The news outlet further reported that Sikh organisations, including Dalit, Other Backwards Classes, Minorities, and Adivasi (DOMA), and several migrant organisations criticised India's 2019 decision.

KMS cited political analysts as saying that the revocation of IIOJK's special status had failed to weaken public sentiment and had instead worsened the region's political and economic situation. It attributed to them claims that commercial losses had exceeded Rs150 billion, nearly 496,000 people had lost jobs, unemployment had risen above 25%, and 144,500 handicrafts and tourism workers lost work opportunities.

It also alleged that 2.5 million non-local voters were registered in Muslim-dominated areas of the IIOJK by the Indian government to influence governance.

KMS also lamented that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) continued to be used extensively in the region, but despite Indian aggression, the people of Kashmir continue to fight for their freedom.