20/10/2024
Oct 22, 1947: The day when Pakistan betrayed and backstabbed Kashmiris...
By Farooq Ganderbali
Every year on October 22, the people of Jammu and Kashmir observe Black Day in remembrance of the tribal invasion supported by the Pakistani Army in 1947. This day marks the beginning of a brutal attack that resulted in the massacre of hundreds and a reign of terror against the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, violating the region’s sovereignty.
The October 22, 1947 attack on Jammu and Kashmir led to the killing of innocent people, the r**e of women, and the destruction of culture and brotherhood. In response to the tribesmen's assault, the then-Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir requested assistance from India to protect his people from the Pakistan-sponsored tribals. Until 2019, separatists and Pakistan-sponsored radical forces pressured Kashmiris to observe Black Day on October 27, the date of the Indian Army's arrival in Srinagar. This narrative led many to believe that their problems began after October 27, 1947, while Pakistan funded and supported anti-national groups, including the Hurriyat Conference, which marked this date as Black Day.
The truth is that our sovereignty was violated on October 22, 1947, when hordes of tribesmen from Pakistan’s North West Frontier particularly from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) invaded Jammu and Kashmir. They mercilessly killed and looted indiscriminately, targeting both Muslims and non-Muslims. Notably, the first victim of these so-called jihadists was a Muslim from the Muzaffarabad area of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Historically, Jammu and Kashmir was independent after the end of British rule. The tribal invasion was supported by Pakistani authorities in clear violation of the Standstill Agreement established between the Maharaja’s government and Pakistan. This invasion was undoubtedly planned by the Pakistani government to punish the Maharaja for refusing to accede to Pakistan, leading to the division of our beloved homeland, the disruption of families, and the plunder of Kashmiri resources.
The tribal invasion also communalized Kashmiri politics, resulting in immense suffering for the people. The extremism and hatred unleashed in October 1947, disguised as jihad, continue to spread, fueled by political agendas. This policy of promoting extremism has persisted, allowing forces of hatred to gain power.
Pakistan's internal strife has further exacerbated divisions among its people, leading to violence and insecurity. The military now dominates Pakistan's democratic system, and religious intolerance is rampant in regions like Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayyaba have established a stronghold, with the puppet government of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir facilitating the accommodation of jihadi elements in local schools and institutions.
Pakistan continues to perpetrate atrocities against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Its ongoing support for terrorism, the mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits, and efforts to incite communal tensions are direct interferences in India’s internal affairs.
We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, need to reassess our priorities. While it is true that Pakistan has exploited us economically and otherwise, we must learn from past mistakes and strive for peace, prosperity, and development. Since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have enjoyed increased cultural harmony, peace, and development. Radical forces and organizations are losing their influence, and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is decreasing.
The participation of youth, women, and the general public in the upcoming assembly elections in 2024 reflects a growing satisfaction with democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, which is now far more developed than Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in all respects, especially in terms of development, international tourism, and brotherhood.
