On November 1, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) marked its Foundation Day amid rising tensions and protests across the region. The day is perceived by many locals not as one of celebration but rather as one symbolizing loss, oppression, and discontent following its controversial designation as a Union Territory by the Indian government back in August 2019. This significant political status change has fueled both anger and grief among the inhabitants of Kashmir, leading to declarations of mourning by various political factions.
One prominent voice of dissent on this occasion was M Y Tarigami, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Kulgam. Tarigami articulated his frustrations by calling the celebration of this day a “humiliation” for the people of IIOJK, describing the transformation of the area from statehood to Union Territory status as “unprecedented” and equivalent to an “assault” on the constitution. Speaking to the media, he lamented, “The humiliation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is being celebrated by the rulers and some bureaucrats are applauding it. This is unfortunate.”
His sentiments echoed the frustrations expressed by local political leaders, with many asserting their refusal to participate in the celebrations, deeming them disrespectful to the local populace's sentiments. The National Conference, another major regional party, explicitly declared its intent to boycott the Foundation Day festivities as they continue to advocate for the restoration of statehood.
Tarigami took aim at Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for criticizing the ML lawmakers who chose to skip the celebrations, remarking on the apparent contradiction. He referenced the Supreme Court's stance on the issue, noting its indication of the temporary status of Union Territory and reinforcing calls for the restoration of statehood. “LG sahab must try to look at it and the prime minister, home minister, and others who hold the command of the country are on record saying this is temporary and statehood has to be restored,” he stated.
The backdrop of these protests and declarations reflects deep-rooted grievances linked to perceived injustices from the Indian government. Across social media and public platforms, many Kashmiris have rallied under hashtags and slogans expressing their views on the harsh impacts of the 2019 revocation of autonomy.
Surinder Kumar, the chief of Congress for IIOJK, has also declared the so-called UT Foundation Day as “a day of mourning” for the people. He articulated his concerns over how the BJP government, by converting IIOJK from the status of the former state to its present Union Territory stature, had completely betrayed the trust and welfare of the local populace.
The echoes of grief continued to resonate with Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the People’s Democratic Party, who reinforced the stance of observing October 31 as Black Day. She emphasized the need to confront the realities faced by Kashmiris and condemned any celebrations surrounding the day as disrespectful.
Meanwhile, broader discussions about the fraught situation within Kashmir also played out across academic platforms. At Bagh University, speakers explored the complex layers of the Kashmir conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention from global human rights bodies, highlighting Indian state measures viewed as deeply oppressive. Such dialogues have urged the international community to engage with what they describe as “systematic oppression” enacted upon the Kashmiri people.
Adding fuel to the fire, there were reports of recent violence, including the martyrdom of nine Kashmiris earlier in October — incidents which intensified calls for justice and scrutiny of state actions. Kashmir Media Service noted these grievous events occurred alongside the backdrop of government narratives celebrating the so-called progress in the region. This stark contradiction only exacerbated tensions, with local voices demanding accountability and cessation of violence.
Speakers at various protests and gatherings argued for the international community's attention to the plight of the Kashmiris. They insisted on the necessity for human rights organizations to look closely at the continuous human rights violations occurring within IIOJK. Collective voices arose, advocating for justice and respect for the rights of the Kashmiris and highlighting the disconnection between governmental rhetoric of progress and the lived reality of locals.
Therein lies the crux of the conflict: the deep-seated anger and sadness felt by those living under Union Territory status. Many argue such superficial nationalist celebrations only serve to deepen existing divides and mourn the loss of autonomy, dignity, and recognition. The administration’s gestures of celebration clash starkly with the stories of loss and grief narrated by everyday Kashmiris, painting a stark picture of division.
Far from celebrating, the people of Jammu and Kashmir find themselves resolutely against the backdrop of conflict, loss, and the quest for dignity and acknowledgment. For many, the cries for justice and the demands for restored statehood overshadow any hollow reference to festivities.
Reflecting on these events offers not just insight but highlights the urgent need for widespread recognition and constructive dialogue moving forward. Local leaders, affected families, and community organizations implore for clarity, justice, and respect for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, making it clear they will not be silenced amid celebrations they mourn.
