Jammu Martyrs’ Day observed worldwide as Kashmiris renew resolve for self-determination

• President, PM urge UN to recognise Jammu killings as genocide, reaffirming unwavering diplomatic and moral backing for Kashmiris
• Hundreds of thousands massacred in 1947 remembered across IIOJK and diaspora

ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world on Thursday observed Jammu Martyrs’ Day, renewing their pledge to continue the struggle for their UN-recognised right to self-determination and to honour the victims of one of the gravest massacres in Kashmir’s history.

According to Kashmir Media Service, November 6, 1947, remains etched as one of the darkest and bloodiest days for Kashmiris, when hundreds of thousands of Muslims were slaughtered in the Jammu region by forces of Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, the Indian Army, and RSS-backed Hindu extremists.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), fresh posters appeared across Srinagar, Pulwama, Baramulla and parts of Jammu, paying glowing tribute to the martyrs and urging unity, resistance, and perseverance against India’s continued colonial rule. The posters reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the 1947 victims would be carried forward until freedom was achieved.

Meanwhile, Indian troops continued massive cordon-and-search operations in Kishtwar and Poonch districts for the second consecutive day. According to KMS, the joint operation includes Indian Army, paramilitary and police personnel. Similar operations were underway in the Balakote-Mendhar belt of Poonch.

President, PM reaffirm unwavering support

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, political and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

President Zardari said the day marks the remembrance of Jammu’s martyrs and the unarmed civilians “slaughtered for their faith and identity.” He said India’s attempts to alter the demographic composition of IIOJK violate the Geneva Conventions and international norms.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the Jammu massacre a “genocidal attempt” by Indian forces and extremists in November 1947 to change the demographic and religious majority of Kashmir. He said India remains guilty of persistent violations of human rights, the right to self-determination and international law.

He added that Pakistan today pays “heartfelt tribute” to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to their just struggle.

Tributes, remembrance and renewed resolve

Across IIOJK, people offered glowing tributes to the 1947 martyrs, calling the massacre one of the worst acts of ethnic cleansing in the region’s history.

APHC spokesperson Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas said at a Srinagar event that the Jammu killings represented “the worst form of ethnic cleansing” carried out by Dogra forces and RSS-backed groups. Speakers termed the massacre a crime against humanity that must never be forgotten.

The APHC urged the international community to recognise the Jammu massacre as genocide and to ensure that such atrocities are remembered and condemned.

Speakers also vowed to carry forward the mission of the martyrs until the Kashmiri people achieve their inalienable right to self-determination.