ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and all over the world are observing Black Day today to convey a joint message that they have rejected India’s illegal occupation of their homeland on this day in the year 1947.

This was the day when Indian troops forcefully invaded Jammu and Kashmir and occupied it in blatant violation of the partition plan of the Subcontinent and against the Kashmiris’ aspirations.

According to Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, the 72 years struggle of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination will be highlighted today.

He said the world would be apprised once again of the enormity of the situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).

The spokesperson said the international community would be demanded to fulfill its promises, including provision of the right of self-determination to Kashmiris.

Several programmes, including rallies and seminars, have been planned throughout the country to express solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir.

Instructions have also been given to Pakistani missions abroad to organise events and engage with Pakistani Diaspora, local parliamentarians, think-tanks and intellectuals to highlight significance of the day.

In Azad Kashmir, rallies, demonstrations and protest gatherings will be held in all small and big cities of the state under the auspices of Kashmir Liberation Cell, Hurriyat and religious organisations.

On the directives of AJK’s Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, events to observe the Black Day will be arranged by districts and tehsil administrations.

Main function of the Black Day will be held in the state capital Muzaffarabad. PM Haider Khan will preside over the function. A rally will also be carried out at the end of programme.

All three radio stations of AJK will broadcast special programmes in connection with Black Day.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur, in his message on the eve of Black Day, asked the international community to take early action against Indian unilateral and illegal step of August 5 as the people of the entire region have been suffering through stringent curfew for more than 84 days.

Meanwhile, in IoK, a complete shutdown is being observed today to mark the black day, though the Himalayan valley has been facing complete lockdown since Aug 5.

All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Gilani, in a statement, has asked the people of occupied Kashmir to march towards Lal Chowk of Srinagar, today and hold a sit-in protest to show the world that the resistance of Kashmiri people does not need means of telecommunications for their survival.