GILGIT: Like elsewhere across the country, Kashmir Black Day was also observed in Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday to express solidarity with the people of Indian-held Kashmir and to condemn the atrocities there.

Protests, rallies, marches and different events were organised by the people in Gilgit, Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang, Ghanche, Astore, Diamer, Hunza, Nagar and Ghizer.

The day is observed to mark the invasion of Jammu and Kashmir by Indian forces on Oct 27, 1947.

Activists and workers of different political, religious, regional organisations, students, civil society organisations and people from all walks of life participated in these rallies and programmes.

The protesters chanted slogans against India and urged the international community to take notice of its brutalities in the occupied region.

The main event of the Black Day was held in Gilgit where a rally was taken out from Sir Syed Ahmed Khan School. After passing through different areas of the city, the participants gathered at Gadibagh.

Speaking to participants, GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan stood with the people of held Kashmir.

GB Education Minister Ghulaam Shahzad Agha said “on this day, we are reminded of the deep and eternal pain that the people of Kashmir have been going through for a long time”.

In a message, GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan said by observing the Black Day on Oct 27, people of GB have expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of held Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2023