Today marks the sixth anniversary of India’s controversial and unilateral decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that has since been widely condemned by Kashmiris across the world. On August 5, 2025, Kashmiris in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Pakistan-administered territories, and the global diaspora are observing ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ (Day of Exploitation) to protest the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution — the provisions that granted special autonomy to the disputed region.

The day is being commemorated through demonstrations, rallies, black day observances, and public protests, aiming to draw global attention to what is viewed as an illegal, unconstitutional, and oppressive occupation of Kashmir by the Indian state.

What Happened on August 5, 2019?

On August 5, 2019, the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi abruptly revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomous status — a special arrangement that had been in place since 1949 following the controversial accession of the princely state to India.

In addition to abrogating Article 370, Article 35A — which granted the Jammu and Kashmir legislature power to define permanent residents and their rights — was also annulled. The region was subsequently bifurcated into two union territories, namely Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, placing it under direct rule of New Delhi.

This move was immediately accompanied by a strict military lockdown, internet shutdown, mass arrests, and curfews, which turned the region into what some described as the “largest open-air prison” in the world.

Kashmiris Worldwide Reject the Move

Six years on, Kashmiris have not accepted this unilateral decision. Today, as in previous years, they are taking to the streets across the Line of Control (LoC) and globally — from London to New York, Toronto to Istanbul — to register their unwavering rejection of the August 5 act.

Protestors are holding placards, black flags, banners, and organizing seminars and digital campaigns, calling attention to India’s alleged human rights violations, demographic engineering, and suppression of civil liberties in the region.

Kashmiris and their supporters say that India’s actions:

• Violate UN Security Council resolutions that recognize Kashmir as a disputed territory
• Breach international humanitarian law
• Are an attempt to silence Kashmiri identity and right to self-determination

All Parties Hurriyat Conference Calls for Black Day

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a coalition of pro-freedom parties in Kashmir, has called for the observance of ‘Black Day’ on August 5. In a statement, the APHC leadership said:

“Today is a reminder to the world that India has occupied Kashmir illegally. The abrogation of Article 370 was not just unconstitutional — it was immoral, oppressive, and undemocratic.”

The Hurriyat leaders urged the international community, human rights organizations, and global media to acknowledge the plight of Kashmiris, who have suffered under military repression for decades.

Modi Government’s Objective: Demographic and Political Engineering?

Since August 2019, India has introduced a series of laws and administrative orders that many believe are aimed at changing the demography of the Muslim-majority region. These include:

• Issuance of domicile certificates to non-locals
• Allocation of land to outsiders and military personnel
• Redrawing of electoral constituencies (Delimitation)
• Crackdowns on media, civil society, and dissenters

These policies are viewed by Kashmiri leaders as a systematic attempt to marginalize the indigenous population, and engineer political outcomes in future elections by altering the voter base.