The True Post (Web News)Today marks six years since India revoked the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on August 5, 2019. To express solidarity with the oppressed people of Kashmir, Pakistan is observing Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation) across the country with rallies, seminars, and events aimed at exposing the Modi government’s nefarious agenda and reaffirming support for the Kashmiri cause.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has also called for a Black Day to be observed.
Rally in Islamabad
In Islamabad, a solidarity rally was held from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to D-Chowk. Senior officials, civil society members, and the general public participated in large numbers. A minute of silence was observed at D-Chowk to honor the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom movement.
Background
On August 5, 2019, the Indian government unilaterally abrogated Articles 370 and 35A of its Constitution, revoking the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, according to the Kashmir Media Service, more than 21,000 Kashmiris have been imprisoned and over 1,100 properties burned.
Modi Regime’s Repressive Tactics
Analysts argue that the Modi government aims to alter the Muslim identity of Kashmir through demographic engineering and unconstitutional measures. The revocation of Articles 370 and 35A is in violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The region’s administrative structure has also been manipulated. The number of assembly seats has increased from 83 to 90, yet only a 1% increase has been made in Muslim-majority areas. Furthermore, the Indian army has seized 56,000 acres of land in the region.
Under new domicile laws, over 5 million non-Kashmiri Hindus have been granted residency rights in Kashmir. The Modi regime is reportedly planning to create a Hindu-majority division comprising Kishtwar, Anantnag, and Kulgam districts.
Global Condemnation
Legal experts and international observers have warned that India poses a growing threat to human rights and regional peace. A renowned international legal scholar emphasized that the ongoing situation not only denies Kashmiris their right to self-determination but also escalates tensions in South Asia.
An Indian Congress MP called August 5 a “dark day” in the country’s constitutional history, stating that it was a grave mistake that future generations will regret. He described the move as an assault on India’s constitution, democracy, secularism, and federal structure.