Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, across Pakistan, and around the globe are observing Youm-e-Istehsal today (Tuesday) to mark five years since India’s controversial move on August 5, 2019, and to express unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
The day serves as a powerful reminder that Kashmiris reject India’s unilateral actions and its continued occupation of the region. It also reinforces their demand for the restoration of their rights and autonomy.
On this day in 2019, the Modi government, in blatant violation of UN resolutions and international law, revoked Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution—stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special autonomous status—and imposed a harsh military lockdown in the region.
Through the revocation of the said articles, people from the rest of India gained the right to acquire property in India-held Kashmir and settle there permanently. Kashmiris, as well as critics of India’s Hindu nationalist-led government, saw the move as an attempt to dilute the demographics of Muslim-majority Kashmir with Hindu settlers.
In response to the controversial move, the government of Pakistan designated Aug 5 as Youm-e-Istehsal in 2020. This day is now observed annually in Pakistan as a reaction to Kashmir’s status change.
It was on this day in 2019 that India unilaterally and illegally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, the action which has since then been rejected by the international community, Kashmiris, and Pakistanis alike.
Special events have been organized to mark the Day. A rally will be taken out in Islamabad from Foreign Office which will be joined in by dignitaries and people from different walks of life before concluding at D-Chowk.
One minute silence will be observed at ten in the morning.
Special walks and events will be held across all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pakistani missions abroad have also organized special events in connection with Youm-e-Istehsaal.
Special broadcasts will be aired to highlight the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, contributions of the leaders of the Kashmir freedom movement, and the harsh realities of Indian oppression.
Source: Dunya News
