Kashmir Black Day: The symbol of unfilled promises and the struggle for justice

Kashmir Black Day: The symbol of unfilled promises and the struggle for justice

27th October 1947 stands as a day of sorrow and resistance for the people of Kashmir. This day marks the anniversary of Indian military forces' arrival, Kashmiris termed this day as “Black Day” which snatched their right to self-determination.27th October is not just a historical date- it’s a reminder of broken promises, lost lives, and the unresolved Kashmir Dispute.


By Isbah Aleem

In July 1947, British India was divided into India and Pakistan. The Muslim Majority territory of Jammu and Kashmir faced a crossroads. All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference passed a resolution to Maharaja Hari Singh, acceding to Pakistan. But the Maharaja hesitated and opened the door for military intervention. Indian troops illegally occupied the territory of Jammu and Kashmir on 27th October 1947. This military intervention started a war that is still raging on the subcontinent. Later India took matter to the United Nations, where Pakistan argued that the Maharaja’s accession to India was unlawful.


In response, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 47 (1948) and later Resolution 80 (1950), which called for a plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to determine their future—either joining India or Pakistan. Despite these resolutions, the plebiscite has never taken place, depriving Kashmiris of their right to self-determination. Instead, the region has endured decades of violence, repression, and geopolitical manipulation. While Kashmiris continue to observe Black Day as a symbol of resistance, India has gradually shifted its stance, labeling the region as an "integral part" of its territory, contrary to the original UN mandate for a democratic resolution.


The observance of Kashmir's Black Day on October 27th not only marks the onset of military intervention in the region in 1947 but also serves as a day to remember the many atrocities that have taken place since then, including significant massacres that have left deep scars on Kashmir’s collective memory. One such tragic event was the 1947 Jammu Massacre, where thousands of Muslims were killed, and many more were forced to flee during communal violence. The massacre, which saw large-scale displacement and loss of life, is viewed as a dark chapter in Kashmir’s history, fueling longstanding resentment and distrust towards Indian rule. The incident set a precedent for the continued cycle of violence in the region, with subsequent massacres further entrenching hostility and the call for self-determination.


Another harrowing episode is the 1991 Kunan-Poshpora incident, in which Indian occupation forces allegedly committed mass rape and sexual assault during a search operation in the twin villages of Kunan and Poshpora in Kupwara district. This incident, often described as one of the worst human rights violations in the region, has been a source of trauma for the survivors and their families, and despite repeated calls for justice, no one has been held accountable. The Kunan-Poshpora mass rape remains a potent symbol of the suffering endured by Kashmiris under military presence, with Black Day observed not only as a rejection of the past 77 years of occupation but also as a day to mourn and resist the ongoing injustices committed against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The significance of Black Day, therefore, extends beyond historical grievances, encapsulating the broader struggle for dignity, justice, and the right to self-determination.


The territory of Jammu and Kashmir remains one of the most militarized zones in South Asia and its natives continue to suffer human rights violations—reports on Human rights violations which include extrajudicial killings, arbitration detentions, and increased surveillance. International Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented several reports on Human Rights violations still, International Community doesn’t focus on these violations.


The 27th of October is a call to action rather than a day of loss. The world could not continue to ignore the ongoing violations happening in the Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The world should stand with the Kashmiris and help them to achieve a homeland where they can live peacefully and freely. The United Nations Security Council resolutions particularly, the call for a plebiscite, should be implemented for resolving the Kashmir Conflict. The international community should raise its voice against human rights violations in the region.


For Kashmiris, 27th October is a dark reminder of their long struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity. This military intervention of 1947 set the stage for Kashmiri generations living in fear for decades. It is crucial to consider the sufferings experienced by the Kashmiri people and to fight for their autonomy over their destiny as the world observes this day. This “Black Day” is just a reminder for everyone to fulfill their duty of standing up against human rights violence and injustice and to try their best to ensure peace in the region. The international community is the last hope for the Kashmiris to establish peace and justice in the region

 

The writer is perusing BS International Relations at Air University and Intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations

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