July 5 – A Day of Resistance, Remembrance, and Resolve

Post Views: 89,789

New York, August 4, 2025 — in a powerful statement to the global Kashmiri diaspora, prominent Kashmiri leader Mukhtar Ahmed Syed declared July 5 as one of the most significant days in the history of Kashmir. This date, widely observed as Kashmir Liberation Day in Pakistan and by Kashmiris across the world, serves as a stark reminder of what Syed described as the “illegal and ideological invasion” of Kashmir by India.

Speaking passionately, Syed emphasized that on July 5, India abrogated Articles 370 and 35A of its Constitution—moves that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special autonomous status. “This wasn’t merely a legal amendment,” he said. “It was an ideological onslaught, orchestrated by the extremist forces of the RSS and BJP, aiming to erode the identity, dignity, and constitutional freedom of Kashmiris.”

Since the revocation of autonomy in August 2019, international human rights organizations and the United Nations have documented significant abuses in the region. Syed cited reports indicating that by 2024, over 1,000 Kashmiris had been martyred, more than 2,500 injured, and hundreds of homes destroyed—a situation he labeled as a systematic campaign of state-sponsored oppression.

He highlighted ongoing curfews, internet blackouts, arbitrary detentions, the use of pellet guns, and widespread civilian arrests, including minors. “This is not peace. This is suppression,” he asserted.

Referring to recent developments, Syed alleged that certain incidents, including the Pilgrim attack, were “fabricated” and manipulated to serve political narratives. He claimed that the Pakistani armed forces responded “vigorously” to Indian aggression and that the consequences served as a warning against future acts of oppression.

In his message to the Kashmiri diaspora in the United States, particularly to those residing in New York, Syed made an emotional appeal:

“I urge all Kashmiri brothers and sisters to take this day off. Stand with your children for Kashmir. Use this holiday not just for leisure but for remembrance, resistance, and raising your voice.”

He called on the community to gather in Times Square from 5 PM to 9 PM today for a peaceful protest to show solidarity with the oppressed in Kashmir.

“This is not just a political duty—it is a moral and spiritual obligation. If we do not stand for the oppressed, we will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment,” he warned.

In closing, Syed thanked the leadership and organizations that have consistently supported the Kashmiri cause and reiterated the community’s unshakable resolve: