MUZAFFARABAD, Jan 25 (APP): President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, has said that Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over, are observing January 26 as a Black Day as a mark of protest against India’s illegal occupation of their homeland.
In his special statement, the president said that since August 5, 2019, Indian actions have resulted in an intensified siege of the occupied territory, accompanied by severe restrictions on civil liberties.Despite this, the AJK President stated that the people of Kashmir have shown remarkable courage and resilience, remaining steadfast in the face of repression and refusing to bow to pressure.
He stated that the purpose of observing January 26 as a Black Day was to send a clear message to the international community that Kashmiris will never accept India’s hegemony or its illegal occupation of their motherland.
Describing Kashmir as a UN-recognized disputed territory, he emphasized that it is time for the Indian government to acknowledge this reality and pave the way for a peaceful solution of the dispute in line with the UNSC resolutions that guarantee Kashmiris their fundamental right to self-determination.
He added that, given the evolving regional and global situation, the Kashmir issue requires a proactive role from the international community to help ensure lasting peace in South Asia.