Kashmiris observe Black Day in Paris

PARIS:

Kashmiris living in Paris observed Black Day on Tuesday to mark the 79th anniversary of the arrival of Indian troops in Srinagar on October 27, 1947, and reaffirm their commitment to the struggle for self-determination.

Participants at a gathering organised by the International Kashmir Peace Forum France (IKPF) condemned Indian actions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, raised concerns over human rights violations and called on the international community to help secure a just and lasting settlement of the dispute.

A large number of members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities, including women, children and elderly people, attended the gathering, which was chaired by Zahid Hashmi, president of IKPF.

Speakers urged the international community to take effective measures to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Addressing the gathering, Hashmi said October 27, 1947, remained a dark day in Kashmir's history, as the arrival of Indian troops in Srinagar marked the beginning of India's control over the territory. He said Kashmiris had continued their struggle for fundamental rights for decades.

Hashmi said the annual observance of Black Day was intended to draw international attention to the rights of the Kashmiri people, their demand for self-determination and the human rights situation in the occupied territory.

He maintained that Kashmiris were entitled to determine their future in accordance with UN resolutions but had yet to exercise that right. He said India's democratic credentials came under question when the political, civil and fundamental rights of Kashmiris were restricted.

Referring to India's August 5, 2019, decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A of its Constitution, Hashmi said the move had deepened concerns among Kashmiris over possible demographic changes in the territory.

He said the Kashmiri people would not surrender their identity, distinct status or right to determine their future, adding that efforts to resolve the dispute in accordance with UN resolutions would continue.

Speakers alleged that political leaders, activists, young people and other civilians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) had faced imprisonment and restrictions. They said curbs on freedom of expression, political activities and movement had disrupted daily life.