ISLAMABAD: Today will be observed as Kashmir Martyrs’ Day (Youme Shudaha-e-Kashmir) to honour all Kashmiri martyrs who gave their lives in support of the struggle for Kashmir’s right to self-determination from illegal Indian occupation.
The Kashmiris will commemorate 22 Kashmiris who died in 1931 for liberating Kashmir from the harsh Dogra rulers by celebrating Kashmir Martyrs’ Day on both sides of the Line of Control and throughout the world.
“People will remember the real Kashmiri heroes as martyrs such as Elahi Bukhshi, Afzal Guru, Burhan Wani, Maqbool Bhatt, Syed Ali Gillani, Ashraf Khan, Zakir Musa, Riaz Naiko, Ahsan Dar, Ashraf Dar, and Maqbool Allai.”
The sad day marks a turning point in Kashmiris’ struggle against foreign occupation, a struggle that is still ongoing today under Indian unlawful control.
“Well-documented records show the cruel treatment of Kashmiri Muslims by Dogra forces during the period of Dogra control (1846–1947) in Kashmir.” For Kashmiris, Youme Shuhada-e-Kashmir is the perfect day to look for motivation to bring their freedom struggle through to its logical conclusion.
Pakistanis support the oppressed in this difficult time and share the sorrow of Kashmir’s independence fighters.
“Pakistan observes Youme Shudaha-e-Kashmir and opposes the repressive practices of the Indian occupation against helpless Kashmiris,”
The day also serves as a warning to Indians: if the people of Kashmir did not submit to the tyranny of Dogra rule, how will they submit to the illegitimate Indian rule? “India would have to defend itself in front of the world court for the crimes against humanity it committed in Kashmir.
“On this occasion, the Kashmiri leadership urged the return of the bodies of Shaheed Kashmiri leaders interred in Indian prisons,”
“The international world must act to stop the crimes committed under the guise of democracy,” they further stated.