People from all sections of society came out in droves on streets across the country to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir (the day of exploitation) to condemn New Delhi’s move to strip India-occupied Kashmir of its special autonomy three years ago.

On August 5, 2019, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revoked occupied Kashmir’s special status by repealing Article 370 of the constitution. The move allowed people from the rest of India to have the right to acquire property in occupied Kashmir and settle there permanently.

Article 370 had also limited the power of the Indian parliament to impose laws in the state, apart from matters of defence, foreign affairs and communications.

On Friday, many people from all walks of life as well as representatives of political parties took part in anti-India rallies across the country today, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Students, social workers, politicians and members of civil society carried Kashmir flags and placards with slogans decrying Indian atrocities in the occupied Kashmir.

Header image: A large number of people hold a rally in Hyderabad to express solidarity with oppressed Kashmiri people on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal. — Picture via APP