PoK activists in UK observe 'Black Day' to mark Kashmir's invasion by Pakistan

Activists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) living in United Kingdom gathered outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford on Monday to mark October 22 as 'Black Day'.

It was on this day in 1947 that the Pakistan Army, disguised as tribal raiders, invaded the undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The activists shouted anti-Pakistan slogans and blamed Islamabad for promoting terrorists like Hafiz Saeed in the Kashmir region.

Amjad Yousuf of United Kashmir People's National Party also blamed Pakistan for exploiting the resources from PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. He said, "Pakistan is constructing Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project in our territory and treating us as slaves. But, we will use all platforms to expose Pakistan's nefarious designs in Kashmir."

The protest was held under the banner of Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA).

Mahmood Kashmiri, chairperson of JKNIA shouted slogans against Pakistan Army and blamed the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for killing Kashmiri activist Arif Shahid. He said, "Kashmir is bleeding because of Pakistan. It occupied Kashmir on October 22, 1947 and is responsible for its occupation".

"Pakistan has always played double standards on Kashmir issue and I condemn it. Today, while protesting outside the consulate, I confess that Pakistan's ISI was behind killing of my party leader Sardar Arif Shahid and it threatened his family members. We will not forgive you," he added.

Kashmiri also alleged Pakistan's agencies for kidnapping thousands of political activists including Baba Jan, an activist from Gilgit Baltistan and blamed Islamabad for not allowing their children to read the history of Jammu and Kashmir.