The people of Jammu and Kashmir observe October 22 as Black Day every year commemorating the tribal invasion supported by the Pakistani Army in 1947
By Farooq Ganderbali
Every year on October 22, the people of Jammu and Kashmir observe Black Day in remembrance of the ‘tribal invasion’ supported by the Pakistani Army in 1947. This day marks the beginning of a brutal attack that resulted in the killings of hundreds, while a reign of terror was unleashed against the residents of the state, violating the region’s sovereignty.
The October 22, 1947 attack led to the killing of innocent people, alleged assaults on women, and the destruction of local culture and brotherhood in the region. In response to the violent assault, the then maharaja requested assistance from India, so as to protect his people from the Pakistan-sponsored tribals.
Until 2019, separatists and Pakistan-sponsored radical forces had tried to pressurise Kashmiris to observe Black Day on October 27, the date of the Indian Army’s arrival in Srinagar. This narrative led many to believe that their actual problems began only after October 27, 1947, while Pakistan-funded anti-national groups, including the Hurriyat Conference, marked this date as Black Day.
The truth is that our sovereignty was violated on October 22, 1947, when hordes of tribesmen from Pakistan’s North West Frontier, particularly from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), invaded the state. They mercilessly killed and looted indiscriminately, targeting both Muslims and non-Muslims. Notably, the first victim of these so-called jihadists was a Muslim from the Muzaffarabad area of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Historically, J & K was independent after the end of British rule. The tribal invasion was supported by Pakistani authorities in clear violation of the ‘Standstill Agreement’ established between the maharaja’s government and Pakistan. This invasion was planned by the Pakistani government to punish the maharaja for refusing to accede to Pakistan, which would have lead to the division of our homeland, the disruption of communities and families, and the plunder of Kashmiri resources.
The tribal invasion also communalized Kashmiri politics, resulting in immense suffering for the people. The extremism and hatred unleashed in October 1947, disguised as jihad, continues to spread, fueled by vicious political agendas. This policy of promoting extremism has persisted, allowing forces of hatred to gain power.
Pakistan’s internal strife has further exacerbated divisions among its people, leading to violence and insecurity. The military now dominates Pakistan’s democratic system, and religious intolerance is rampant in regions like PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayyaba have established a stronghold, with the puppet government of PoK facilitating the accommodation of jihadi elements in local schools and institutions.
Pakistan continues to perpetrate atrocities against the people here, as well as in PoK. Its ongoing support for terrorism, the mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits, and efforts to incite communal tensions are examples of direct interference in India’s internal affairs.
We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, need to reassess our priorities. We must learn from our past mistakes and strive for peace, prosperity and development. Now, radical forces and organizations are losing their influence, and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is bound to decrease. Indeed, the participation of youth, women, and the general public in the assembly elections in 2024 reflected a growing urge for democracy and brotherhood.