Today Kashmiris commemorate Black Day to mark 72 years since October 27th, 1947 when India forcibly & illegally laid claim to the adjoining state of Kashmir. It is a day of grieving & of resistance to colonialism & military occupation. Kashmiri activists use this day to educate about the character of their struggle through social media campaigns, vigils & protests around the world, & now to build the emergent & massive solidarity movement.
We should take a moment to honor all who have died in this historic freedom struggle & commit ourselves to standing in solidarity with Kashmiris until they have achieved self-determination & azaadi. The voices of Kashmiris within Kashmir have been silenced so their supporters must amplify their voices as Kashmiris even under occupation have always stood for the oppressed.
End the occupation. Self-determination for Kashmir.
(Photo by Danish Ismail/Reuters, 2017)