Islamabad (GNP): On the occasion of the 95th Kashmir Martyrs’ Day (Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir), tribute was paid to the 22 Kashmiris killed in 1931 while resisting indiscriminate gunfire from Dogra forces.
The statement noted that people across Pakistan join their Kashmiri counterparts each year in remembering the sacrifices of 1931, even as Kashmiris continue to face what was described as India’s ongoing illegal occupation. It stated that more than 900,000 Indian security personnel remain deployed in the region, continuing to enforce what Pakistan characterizes as unlawful control over Jammu and Kashmir.
The statement referenced India’s actions of August 5, 2019, describing them as an effort to alter the region’s distinct identity and demographic composition. It further noted that India subsequently ended the public holiday marking Kashmir Martyrs’ Day — observed annually since 1948 — and discontinued the traditional Guard of Honour ceremony held at the Martyrs’ Graveyard, moves described as deeply hurtful to Kashmiri sentiment.
While honoring both the 1931 martyrs and others who have lost their lives in the broader Kashmir movement, the statement called on India to end what it termed repression in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, halt human rights violations, release political prisoners, lift military restrictions, and stop efforts to alter the region’s demographic makeup.
It also urged the international community to take a more active role in ensuring human rights are upheld in the region and to support a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Also read: PM pays tribute to Kashmir Martyrs of 1931
The statement concluded with a prayer for the martyrs and an expression of hope that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will eventually be able to freely determine their own future, reaffirming Pakistan’s continued support for what it describes as the Kashmiri people’s just cause.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
