August 5 has become a date etched in the collective memory of Kashmiris — both those living under Indian rule and those in exile — as a painful turning point. Today, Kashmiris across the globe are observing what has come to be known as Kashmir Black Day, commemorating the Indian government’s controversial move in 2019 to revoke the region’s special constitutional status.
The observance spans both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), with demonstrations, symbolic gestures, and solidarity events planned not just in Pakistan-administered Kashmir but also in major cities around the world where the Kashmiri diaspora resides.
Four Years On, Resistance Remains
It was on August 5, 2019, that the government led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution — a provision that had granted limited autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The move, carried out without local consultation and accompanied by a sweeping military lockdown, drew sharp criticism from Kashmiri leaders and human rights groups worldwide.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a coalition of Kashmiri political and religious groups advocating for self-determination, has called on Kashmiris to mark the day as a continued rejection of India’s unilateral actions. In a statement, the group described the 2019 decision as a “calculated attack” on the region’s cultural identity and demographic balance.
“The world must know that the people of Kashmir have not accepted this forced annexation,” the APHC said, urging international bodies to take a firmer stand on the ongoing crisis in the region.
Pakistan Observes Silence, Solidarity
In Pakistan, the day is being observed with official backing. At 10:00 a.m., a nationwide one-minute silence was scheduled, serving as a moment of reflection and unity with the Kashmiri struggle.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and provincial authorities, particularly in Punjab, have directed government institutions — including the police and prison departments — to participate in the symbolic gesture. The coordinated effort reflects Islamabad’s continued support for the Kashmiri cause at both diplomatic and grassroots levels.
ISPR Releases Protest Anthem
Adding a cultural dimension to the observance, Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, released a new anthem titled “Insanon Ke Jahan Mein” (“In the World of Humanity”). The song echoes the themes of resistance and injustice, spotlighting alleged human rights violations by Indian forces in the region.
The release is part of a broader media campaign aimed at international audiences, with the message that Kashmir’s plight remains unresolved — and that the struggle for self-determination continues despite years of repression.
