ON 27 October 2024, Kashmiris across the globe observe “Kashmir Black Day,” commemorating the day in 1947 when Indian troops landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a contentious occupation that continues to affect the lives of millions. This day, a sombre reminder of the unfulfilled promise of self-determination, serves as a pivotal moment for Kashmiris in their ongoing struggle against what they view as an illegal occupation of their homeland by India.
In August 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, stripping Kashmir of its special status and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This move sparked widespread protests in Kashmir and drew international criticism. The revocation of Article 370 not only altered the political landscape but also heightened tensions, leading to crackdowns on civil liberties and mass detentions.
Despite claims by the Indian government that normalcy has returned to Kashmir, many Kashmiris view this as a facade. Elections held in the region are often dismissed as sham exercises designed to project a sense of legitimacy and control. The only acceptable solution for many Kashmiris remains a UN-supervised plebiscite, in line with UN resolutions.
Today, Kashmir is one of the most militarized regions in the world, with over one million Indian troops stationed there. The heavy military presence has turned the region into what many describe as an “open-air prison.” Curfews, internet shutdowns and mass surveillance are routine, leaving ordinary Kashmiris living under constant fear and repression.
Allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir are widespread. From enforced disappearances to arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings, Indian security forces have been accused of gross human rights abuses. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented numerous cases of abuse, yet justice remains elusive for the victims. Kashmiris continue their indigenous struggle for self-determination, resisting Indian occupation through protests, civil disobedience and calls for international intervention. Despite Indian attempts to suppress the movement, the spirit of resistance remains strong, with many Kashmiris determined to achieve freedom.
Every year, Kashmiris mark “Black Day” with protests, strikes and acts of civil disobedience. For them, this day symbolizes the beginning of their struggle for self-determination and the ongoing occupation of their homeland. Pakistan also observes Black Day, holding rallies and international campaigns to highlight what it calls India’s “illegal occupation” of Kashmir. Beyond the political and legal dimensions of the conflict, the human cost is profound. Ordinary Kashmiris, particularly women and children, bear the brunt of the violence and repression. Many have lost family members, endured trauma and faced severe restrictions on their education and livelihoods. Yet, despite decades of suffering, the spirit of resilience and resistance endures. In conclusion, Kashmir Black Day is not just a day of mourning; it is a day of resistance and a reminder that the Kashmiri people’s quest for self-determination continues, despite decades of occupation and oppression. It is a call for the international community to take meaningful action in resolving one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
