Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), along with members of the Kashmiri diaspora in several countries, observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir on August 5 by holding protests and solidarity events, according to the Kashmir Media Service (KMS).
The observance marked the seventh anniversary of India’s 2019 decision to revoke Articles 370 and 35A, which ended the region’s special constitutional status.
What Happened
According to KMS, demonstrations, partial shutdowns and public gatherings were held across parts of IIOJK following calls by political groups to mark the anniversary.
The report said Indian authorities deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel across the Kashmir Valley ahead of anticipated protests. Despite the security presence, KMS reported that demonstrations took place at several locations.
KMS also said solidarity events were organized by members of the Kashmiri diaspora in different countries.
Political Reactions
According to KMS, leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference marched from Anantnag to Udhampur, while Mehbooba Mufti led a torchlight procession and sit-in protest in Srinagar.
The report added that protesters called for the release of political detainees.
In New Delhi, members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance demonstrated outside Parliament, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, according to KMS.
Statements
KMS quoted Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as describing August 5 as “a bitter reminder of the disempowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” adding that Kashmiris remained committed to protecting their identity and fundamental rights.
The report also quoted the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir as saying that the events of 2019 had not been forgotten.
Claims Reported by KMS
KMS cited political analysts as claiming that the 2019 constitutional changes had adversely affected the region’s political and economic conditions. It attributed to them claims that commercial losses had exceeded Rs150 billion, approximately 496,000 jobs had been lost, unemployment had risen above 25%, and 144,500 handicrafts and tourism workers had lost employment opportunities.
The report also alleged that around 2.5 million non-local voters had been registered in Muslim-majority areas and said laws including the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) continued to be applied extensively in the region.
Background
On August 5, 2019, the Indian Parliament revoked Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution, removing the special status of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganizing it into two federally administered territories.
India has maintained that the constitutional changes were aimed at improving governance, integration and development in the region. Pakistan rejects the move, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory whose final status should be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
Why It Matters
The anniversary continues to be marked differently by the parties involved, reflecting the longstanding dispute over Kashmir and the contrasting positions of India and Pakistan.
The issue remains a key point of tension in South Asian diplomacy and continues to draw international attention due to its political, legal and security implications.
