5 August: The Black Day that Redefined Kashmir’s Identity

By Usama Bin Ajmal

On 5 August 2019, historic silence fell upon the valleys of Kashmir — not the silence of peace, but one born of shutdowns, sieges, and sorrow. As Article 370 was struck down, Kashmiris lost not only their autonomy but their voice. For millions across the world, this date has become a symbol of betrayal, remembered each year as a ‘Black Day’, not just for what was taken away, but for how — in darkness, in silence, and without consent.

 This pivotal day unfolded under the Indian government under the leadership of Narendra Modi, whose government officially revoked the article 35 A and 370, which was formulated in 1949 and implemented in 1950 on 26 June. And On 9 August 2019, just days after Article 370 was revoked, over 10,000 people in Srinagar took to the streets in a peaceful protest, hoping to voice their opposition and concern over the sudden loss of their region’s special status. However, instead of dialogue, they were met with force. Security personnel fired tear gas and pellet guns to break up the gathering, turning a nonviolent demonstration into a scene of chaos and fear. In anticipation of further unrest, authorities imposed a strict curfew across Indian-administered Kashmir, effectively locking down the region as people were left to cope with the uncertainty and silence that followed.

Article 35A, often called the “permanent resident law,” granted the people of Jammu and Kashmir a unique legal status, identifying them as permanent residents of the region. This meant they had exclusive rights to own property, access certain jobs, and benefit from local laws—protections that weren’t available to outsiders. Article 370, on the other hand, defined how the Indian Constitution applied to Jammu and Kashmir. It gave the state the power to create its own laws on everything except defense, foreign affairs, and communication, which remained under the control of the central government. This special provision allowed Kashmir to have its own constitution, its own flag, and a level of autonomy that reflected its distinct identity within the Indian Union.

The abrogation of Article 370 not only disrupted life in Indian-administered Kashmir but also deeply affected the global Kashmiri diaspora, who witnessed the sweeping changes with growing concern. In the days following the decision, peaceful protests erupted across the region, but the Indian government responded with a heavy-handed military clampdown—deploying thousands of additional troops, shutting down schools and colleges, and cutting off internet and phone services. This prolonged communication blackout and lockdown pushed Kashmir into economic paralysis. According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the region suffered economic losses amounting to nearly ₹18,000 crores (approximately $2.5 billion) within just five months, with industries such as tourism, e-commerce, carpet manufacturing, and exports coming to a complete standstill. Nearly 500,000 people lost their jobs during this period. Sheikh Ashiq, president of KCCI, told Al Jazeera that internet-based industries were “completely shut” and daily trade was severely hampered. 

The international community also sees this act as unjust and especially the Pakistani which strongly opposed this decision. It began to observe 5 August as “Youm e Istehsal “as a “Day of Exploitation “. Along with this protest was also held in other states against this decision like “The United Nations” and human rights groups like “Amnesty International “expressed concern over “mass arrests, internet blackouts, and lack of freedom of speech”. India, however, said it was an internal matter and was necessary for peace and progress.

The Permanent Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has also condemned the violation of Indian human rights in IIOJK. The OIC supports the UN experts’ call for action to solve the poor human rights in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The OIC’s Permanent Commission on Human Rights backed UN experts in calling for global attention to serious abuses in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Recent data highlights the gravity of the crisis: over 22,900 women widowed, 17,855 children orphaned, more than 11,200 cases of sexual violence, and 110,445 homes destroyed. Additionally, over 8,000 people remain missing, reportedly disappeared during the conflict.

As of 2025, the current status of living in Kashmir remains tense and deeply divided. While the Indian government promotes narratives of development through improved roads, increased tourism, and investment projects, life for many Kashmiris is marked by “political disempowerment, economic uncertainty, and psychological distress”. The region still lacks an “elected legislative assembly”, continuing under direct central rule, with “local political voices largely silenced”. “Surveillance is widespread”, and dissent is often met with arrests under laws like the Public Safety Act. “Youth unemployment remains above 25%”, fueling frustration among educated Kashmiris. The new “domicile laws” have triggered fears of demographic shifts, adding to social anxiety. Though “internet services are restored”, they are closely monitored, and “press freedom is severely restricted”. Despite the façade of normalcy in parts of Srinagar and Jammu, “many areas live under an invisible lockdown of fear, trauma, and lost identity” — a reality far removed from peace or stability.

As Kashmir continues to grapple with uncertainty, loss, and silence, 5 August remains etched not just in memory, but in identity — a day that reminds the world that peace cannot be built on the ruins of autonomy, and dignity cannot thrive under the shadow of force.

The writer is the student of International Relations.