Srinagar: Like previous years, this time also Jammu and Kashmir Youth Development Forum (JKYDF) organised seminars and protests against 22 October 1947 Tribal Invasion on Kashmir. It was on this day 73 years ago when tribal militia, supported by the Pakistan Army, attacked Kashmir and plundered the Valley.

To mark the black day, a massive protest rally was held at Srinagar summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir by JKYDF and Peace and Justice Forum jointly. People came out on the streets to register their protest on the 73th anniversary of Tribal Invasion by Pakistan. The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The protesters blamed Pakistani media for spreading false information about Jammu and Kashmir. They said the United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir clearly ask Pakistan to withdraw its troops and citizens from POK and Gilgit-Baltistan. But since 1948, Pakistan has not complied with the UN resolutions.

“As per UN resolution, Pakistan must vacate its forces and its people from so called Azad Kashmir. The protesters also accused Islamabad of promoting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Nisar Shah. “If you keep sending armed terrorists to Srinagar and keep raising Pakistani flags, the issue will never get resolved because Srinagar city doesn't represent Kashmir. It includes Gilgit Baltistan, Jammu and other parts.”

Syed Mohammad Yaseen, Secretary Peace and Justice Forum, said it was Pakistan which violated the agreement and forcefully occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir on October 22, 1947.

Giving the history of the day, he said, “The tribal invaders not only massacred Kashmiris, but also disrespected the dignity of our women. When they reached near Srinagar, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir called India for help. The Maharaja signed an Instrument of Accession, a legal document with India on 26 October 1947. On October 27, Indian forces entered Kashmir. Since then, Pakistan continues to occupy PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.”

JKYDF Chairman Farooq Ganderbali said the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including POK and the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of India by virtue of its fully legal and irrevocable accession.

“Pakistan or its judiciary has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it and we reject attempts to bring material changes in Pakistan-occupied areas of the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation,” he demanded.

Law student of Kashmir University Abrar Ahmad said that 22 Oct 1947 is the day of invasion of Jammu and Kashmir. “To call it a tribal raid is a misnomer. Tribals were used by Pakistani Army as the frontal hordes to hide the nature of regular invasion of Jammu and Kashmir state. The day is the Blackest Day because this invasion broke up the state and rendered thousands and lakhs of Hindus and Sikhs as refugees in their own state. Thousands were killed and abducted during the invasion. We have to remember all those who perished during the invasion,” he said.

Riyaz Ahmad Dar, a social activist for taking an initiative which is the need of the hour in these trying circumstances in the state. He said that by observing BLACK DAY on Oct 22, we will pay homage to lakhs of people killed, maimed and looted in 1947 by the invaders. innocent women who were robbed, raped, kidnapped, and killed by the raiders in Pakistan occupied Kashmir Dar Said 'During the past, Pakistan agencies used to force and use money for Kashmiris through separatists to observe Black Day on October 27 which coincides with the arrival of Indian army in Srinagar.