Global protests erupt on anniversary of India’s August 5 actions in Kashmir
Diaspora, activists slam abrogation of Article 370, demand UN intervention
Islamabad: Kashmiris and human rights activists across the globe observed August 5 as Black Day, condemning the Indian government’s unilateral revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and its subsequent actions to alter the demography of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, rallies, protests, and conferences were held in London, Washington D.C., New York, Brussels, Toronto, Paris, Istanbul, Cairo and several cities in the Middle East, where members of the Kashmiri diaspora, civil society groups, and human rights organizations raised black flags and placards reading “Stop Settler Colonialism in Kashmir,” “Restore Article 370,” and “Kashmiris Reject Indian Occupation.”
In London, a major protest was held outside the Indian High Commission where demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. British MPs and rights activists also joined the event, denouncing India’s actions in IIOJK as violations of international law.
In the United States, digital billboard trucks bearing slogans like “End India’s Settler Colonialism in Kashmir” circulated around Capitol Hill and Times Square, drawing attention from American lawmakers and media. The protests were organized by advocacy groups such as Kashmir Action Network and ICNA Council for Social Justice.
In Brussels, members of the European Parliament were briefed by rights defenders about the deteriorating situation in Kashmir during a panel discussion coinciding with the Black Day. The event urged the European Union to take a stronger position on India’s actions in the region.
Solidarity events were also held in Istanbul, Doha, and Toronto, where scholars and activists reaffirmed their support for the UN-mandated right of the Kashmiri people to determine their political future.
The global observance comes as Kashmir completes six years since the BJP-led Indian government revoked its special status, split the territory into two union territories, and imposed a communications blackout and heavy military clampdown—actions widely condemned by international human rights watchdogs.
Participants at these events called on the United Nations and major powers to break their silence and press India to reverse its illegal actions and allow Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination as guaranteed under UN Security Council resolutions.
