Jammu and Kashmir marked the 7th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A under heavy security across the Valley.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrated August 5 as a landmark in Jammu and Kashmir's integration and development, opposition parties including the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) observed the day as a "Black Day", demanding the restoration of statehood and special constitutional status.

Security was tightened across Srinagar, with checkpoints reinforced and restrictions imposed to prevent protests. Opposition leaders accused authorities of denying them the democratic right to demonstrate, while BJP leaders highlighted improvements in security, tourism, and economic activity since 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described August 5, 2019, as the beginning of a transformative chapter for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, emphasizing peace, prosperity, and development over the past seven years.


Article 370 Anniversary: BJP Celebrates, Opposition Observes Black Day

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with&nbsp;October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Five days later, on October 27 1947, Indian troops arrived after the instrument of accession was signed by the then king Hari Singh.

In Nepal, "Indian youths of Nepal Observe Black day" were seen which paid homage to the sacrifices made by "millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims" for the state while dealing with Pakistani atrocities. In the Hague, Netherlands bus with a board saying "black day against illegal Pakistani occupation: seeking compensation for damages" was seen in front of the Peace Palace that houses the International court of justice.

Protests happened in Japan, Seoul, London, Brussels, Geneva, San Francisco, Malaysia. A car rally has been planned in Washington to mark the 73rd "remembrance day of Pakistan's Brutal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir". The rally will go up to the Pakistani embassy in Washington, US.

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Five days later, on October 27 1947, Indian troops arrived after the instrument of accession was signed by the then king Hari Singh. In Nepal, "Indian youths of Nepal Observe Black day" were seen which paid homage to the sacrifices made by "millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims" for the state while dealing with Pakistani atrocities. In the Hague, Netherlands bus with a board saying "black day against illegal Pakistani occupation: seeking compensation for damages" was seen in front of the Peace Palace that houses the International court of justice. Protests happened in Japan, Seoul, London, Brussels, Geneva, San Francisco, Malaysia. A car rally has been planned in Washington to mark the 73rd "remembrance day of Pakistan's Brutal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir". The rally will go up to the Pakistani embassy in Washington, US.

Global protests against Pakistan to mark October 22 'black day'

Marking the "Black Day" in Balochistan, the members of Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) on Monday organised simultaneous protests, rallies and awareness campaigns in different parts of the world.

The protests were held in UK, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Canada, Norway and Sweden.

The protesters highlighted the consequences faced by the people of Balochistan 20 year safter the nuclear test were conducted in Balochistan.

The people protested with large banners and placards inscribed with pictures and slogans of peopl eaffected by the tests.

The activists also distributed leaflets and explained the situation to the locals of the area.

They also got support and sympathy from the local people.

A leader of the Free Balochistan Movement claimed that Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons in the heart of Balochistan's Chaghai district without the will and consent of the Baloch nation.

He added, "The residual radiation impact resulting from the blasts in Raskoh mountain range have caused diseases like lung, liver, and blood cancer, skin diseases, typhoid, and infectious hepatitis, as well as serious effects on the nervous system, blood pressure, eyes, and throats, and on newborn babies."

He said on May 17, 1998, he warned that "weapons being tested in the name of the country's defence will prove to be a message of death for the people of Baluchistan. The droughts, increasing illness and continued suffering of the residents of Chaghai and surrounding districts are a reflection of our concerns in 1998."

"The civilised world remained silent on Pakistan's crime against the Baloch nation and Balochistan. They stood by with their lips sealed as Balochistan was burning before their eyes. Today, we as a nation continue to suffer the aftermath of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. Iran is also planning to make nuclear weapons and we have concerns that they will follow Pakistan's path and conduct its nuclear tests in occupied Balochistan," he added.

His statement further read, "We urge the world community, IAEA, and other international bodies to take notice of the effects of Pakistan's nuclear weapons in Balochistan. Nuclear experts should visit the region where nuclear bombs were detonated to investigate the causes of diseases that local people are suffering and remove all nuclear materials from Balochistan to save human lives and protect our precious environment."

"We also remind the world that Pakistan is an irresponsible state and its corrupt military institutions and politicians can do anything for money. That is why it is a possibility that the wealthy religious extremist will acquire nuclear weapons from Pakistan and use them against Western democracies. Hence, the world must make every effort to denuclearise Pakistan and strip it of its nuclear weapons before it is too late," the statement read.

Sami Baloch, an activist of Free Baloch Movement from Washington DC, urged the US government and people to stop supporting Pakistan as Pakistan supports ISIS, Taliban and other terrorist groups that are threat to world peace. He also said that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be monitored because of the presence of religious groups in that country.

Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998.&nbsp

The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998.

Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device.&nbsp

The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day".

(With inputs from ANI)

Marking the 'Black Day' in Balochistan, the members of Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) on Monday organised simultaneous protests, rallies and awareness campaigns in different parts of the world. The protests were held in UK, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Canada, Norway and Sweden

Marking the "Black Day" in Balochistan, the members of Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) on Monday organised simultaneous protests, rallies and awareness campaigns in different parts of the world. The protests were held in UK, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Canada, Norway and Sweden. The protesters highlighted the consequences faced by the people of Balochistan 20 year safter the nuclear test were conducted in Balochistan. The people protested with large banners and placards inscribed with pictures and slogans of peopl eaffected by the tests. The activists also distributed leaflets and explained the situation to the locals of the area. They also got support and sympathy from the local people. A leader of the Free Balochistan Movement claimed that Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons in the heart of Balochistan's Chaghai district without the will and consent of the Baloch nation. He added, "The residual radiation impact resulting from the blasts in Raskoh mountain range have caused diseases like lung, liver, and blood cancer, skin diseases, typhoid, and infectious hepatitis, as well as serious effects on the nervous system, blood pressure, eyes, and throats, and on newborn babies." He said on May 17, 1998, he warned that "weapons being tested in the name of the country's defence will prove to be a message of death for the people of Baluchistan. The droughts, increasing illness and continued suffering of the residents of Chaghai and surrounding districts are a reflection of our concerns in 1998." "The civilised world remained silent on Pakistan's crime against the Baloch nation and Balochistan. They stood by with their lips sealed as Balochistan was burning before their eyes. Today, we as a nation continue to suffer the aftermath of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. Iran is also planning to make nuclear weapons and we have concerns that they will follow Pakistan's path and conduct its nuclear tests in occupied Balochistan," he added. His statement further read, "We urge the world community, IAEA, and other international bodies to take notice of the effects of Pakistan's nuclear weapons in Balochistan. Nuclear experts should visit the region where nuclear bombs were detonated to investigate the causes of diseases that local people are suffering and remove all nuclear materials from Balochistan to save human lives and protect our precious environment." "We also remind the world that Pakistan is an irresponsible state and its corrupt military institutions and politicians can do anything for money. That is why it is a possibility that the wealthy religious extremist will acquire nuclear weapons from Pakistan and use them against Western democracies. Hence, the world must make every effort to denuclearise Pakistan and strip it of its nuclear weapons before it is too late," the statement read. Sami Baloch, an activist of Free Baloch Movement from Washington DC, urged the US government and people to stop supporting Pakistan as Pakistan supports ISIS, Taliban and other terrorist groups that are threat to world peace. He also said that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be monitored because of the presence of religious groups in that country. Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998. The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998. Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device. The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day". (With inputs from ANI)

Free Balochistan Movement demands denuclearisation of Pakistan

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan.

The protesters chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and carried flags to commemorate what they say was the annexation of Balochistan in 1948 by Pakistan's armed forces.

Aziz Baloch, a Free Balochistan movement activist in Canada, said that Pakistan army has been conducting an internal displacement throughout Balochistan for many years.

He further claimed that Islamabad has forcefully abducted 20,000 Baloch people till now.

"Even after seven decades of its forceful occupation, Pakistan has failed to provide even basic facilities such as primary education, healthcare and potable water to the people of the resource-rich province of Balochistan," he added.

Aziz further called the much-vouched China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a 'satanic coalition'&nbsp;between the two countries."The China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is constantly touted as the economic game changer by Islamabad administration has only added to the woes of the people of the region," said Aziz.

Further, President of the Canada-based World Baloch Women's Forum Professor Naela Quadri Baloch said, "Pakistan has sold Balochistan to China.

"The Chinese Navy and other forces are coming to Balochistan because Pakistan is no more able to keep us, slaves," Naela Quadri said.

The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations.

Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals.

A Pakistan journalist, named Taha Siddiqui, said that the Islamabad government has been neglecting the instances of abduction of the Baloch natives for many years.

"There is a camp for missing Baloch persons outside the Islamabad Press Club that is going on for many years now. And, it does not get any coverage in local media. There are women and children sitting with photos of their loved ones who have been missing for months, years and even at times for decades. And, there is no end to their misery," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui, in a March 28 interview, had informed that March 27 is observed as 'Black Day'&nbsp;as on that day Pakistan attacked the province in 1948 and illegally occupied it with internationally recognised borders and a legal system of governance.

A large number of people in Balochistan are internally displaced whereas many have taken exile in other countries.

The situation is deteriorating as the Pakistan army and its intelligence agency are on a rampage to eliminate the identity of indigenous Baloch people.

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan. The protesters chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and carried flags to commemorate what they say was the annexation of Balochistan in 1948 by Pakistan's armed forces. Aziz Baloch, a Free Balochistan movement activist in Canada, said that Pakistan army has been conducting an internal displacement throughout Balochistan for many years. He further claimed that Islamabad has forcefully abducted 20,000 Baloch people till now. "Even after seven decades of its forceful occupation, Pakistan has failed to provide even basic facilities such as primary education, healthcare and potable water to the people of the resource-rich province of Balochistan," he added. Aziz further called the much-vouched China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a 'satanic coalition' between the two countries."The China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is constantly touted as the economic game changer by Islamabad administration has only added to the woes of the people of the region," said Aziz. Further, President of the Canada-based World Baloch Women's Forum Professor Naela Quadri Baloch said, "Pakistan has sold Balochistan to China. "The Chinese Navy and other forces are coming to Balochistan because Pakistan is no more able to keep us, slaves," Naela Quadri said. The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations. Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals. A Pakistan journalist, named Taha Siddiqui, said that the Islamabad government has been neglecting the instances of abduction of the Baloch natives for many years. "There is a camp for missing Baloch persons outside the Islamabad Press Club that is going on for many years now. And, it does not get any coverage in local media. There are women and children sitting with photos of their loved ones who have been missing for months, years and even at times for decades. And, there is no end to their misery," Siddiqui said. Siddiqui, in a March 28 interview, had informed that March 27 is observed as 'Black Day' as on that day Pakistan attacked the province in 1948 and illegally occupied it with internationally recognised borders and a legal system of governance. A large number of people in Balochistan are internally displaced whereas many have taken exile in other countries. The situation is deteriorating as the Pakistan army and its intelligence agency are on a rampage to eliminate the identity of indigenous Baloch people.

Baloch activists observe Black Day against Pakistan atrocities

&ldquo;Organised loot and a legalised plunder&rdquo; is how Dr Manmohan Singh describes &lsquo;demonetisation&rsquo;. In Ahmedabad, on Tuesday, our former prime minister said: &ldquo;November 8 was a black day for our economy and, indeed, our democracy,&rdquo; referring to this day last year when the government announced its move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.&nbsp;

&ldquo;To promote a less cash economy, coercive steps like demonetisation are ineffective. Nowhere in the world has any nation taken such a drastic step that swept off 86% of the currency in circulations,&rdquo; he said.

Our Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says demonetisation was a &lsquo;watershed moment&rsquo; in Indian history. Hitting out at detractors, and perhaps especially miffed at his illustrious predecessor&rsquo;s comments, Jaitley said: &ldquo;An anti-black money drive is a moral step, loot is what happened in 2G, in Commonwealth Games 2010 and in coal block allocation.&rdquo;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
Reducing the amount of cash in the economy won&#39;t end corruption but definitely make it difficult: <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arunjaitley</a> defends <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/demonitization?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#demonitization</a>
&mdash; prasad sanyal (@prasadsanyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/prasadsanyal/status/927840191284371456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

While it may be politically expedient to brush off Dr Manmohan Singh and highlight the graft cases when he was the prime minister from 2004 to 2014, it must be conceded that Dr Singh does know a thing or two about the Indian economy. He does have a Tripos from Cambridge and a DPhil from Oxford in Economics. Besides, he has been a Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, headed the Planning Commission in its heydays in the 1980s and, as finance minister between 1991 and 1996, was the harbinger of economic liberalisation in India. &nbsp;

In a series of tweets and graphic templates, Prime Minister Modi has defended the move saying, it has resulted in the &lsquo;highest ever unearthing of black money and dealt a decisive blow to Naxalism and terrorism.&rsquo;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Giving strong impetus to the fight against black money. <a href="https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW">https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW</a> 
 
via NMApp <a href="https://t.co/G0TMkBrX19">pic.twitter.com/G0TMkBrX19</a>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/927812625043398656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Highest ever unearthing of black money<a href="https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW">https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW</a> 
 
via NMApp <a href="https://t.co/jmrJRPVHSL">pic.twitter.com/jmrJRPVHSL</a>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/927812417203068928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The verdict is still out on the impact of this move on the Indian economy, and as with other &lsquo;watershed&rsquo; moments in recent Indian history, it has left public opinion deeply divided.

In a society ridden with inequality and poverty, where the &lsquo;aam aadmi&rsquo; is faced with corruption to get even basic amenities, economics doesn&rsquo;t wash. The promise of nabbing those with black money does, and little wonder then, that the move was received positively - as a decisive measure that will rid India of corruption.&nbsp;

The Opposition parties will observe the one-year mark of demonetisation on Wednesday as a &ldquo;Black Day&rdquo;. The Bharatiya Janata Party will commemorate the anniversary as &ldquo;Anti-Black Money Day&rdquo;. &nbsp;

The government has so far been able to pitch demonetisation as a move that was pro-poor and anti-rich, but as the economy shows signs of distress will Robin Hood and his merry band of men be able to assuage the &lsquo;aam aadmi&rsquo;?&nbsp;

As the Finance Minister pointed out today, there has been a shrinking of the informal sector, a wider tax base and greater digitisation in the economy. The government has been on point with its message and there are definite merits to these arguments.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Multi-dimensional success of Demonetisation. <a href="https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW">https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW</a> 
 
via NMApp <a href="https://t.co/l3qbArBcFy">pic.twitter.com/l3qbArBcFy</a>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/927812281378816000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Though viewed as a bold and landmark move by the masses, a former Finance Minister of India from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s own BJP, Yashwant Sinha has criticised the move. As businessmen and traders start accounting for the full brunt of the impact of demonitisation, many believe it may not be the best way to tackle corruption.

In August this year, the Reserve Bank of India reported Indians returned almost all of the estimated Rs 15.4 lakh crore ($242 billion) in high-currency bills removed from circulation. It implies that a very small amount of unaccounted for money was held in cash.&nbsp;

While there has been a lot of hullabaloo over different government agencies sharing different sets of numbers, the total value of non-cash transactions rose by around 19 per cent between November 2016 and August 2017. The value and volume of mobile-based transactions recorded negative growth rates between November 2016 and August 2017.

All available evidence suggests that cash has returned to daily transactions and demonetisation may not have had the desired effect, at least in the short-term.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

All available evidence suggests that cash has returned to daily transactions and demonetisation may not have had the desired effect, at least in the short-term.?

“Organised loot and a legalised plunder” is how Dr Manmohan Singh describes ‘demonetisation’. In Ahmedabad, on Tuesday, our former prime minister said: “November 8 was a black day for our economy and, indeed, our democracy,” referring to this day last year when the government announced its move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. “To promote a less cash economy, coercive steps like demonetisation are ineffective. Nowhere in the world has any nation taken such a drastic step that swept off 86% of the currency in circulations,” he said. Our Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says demonetisation was a ‘watershed moment’ in Indian history. Hitting out at detractors, and perhaps especially miffed at his illustrious predecessor’s comments, Jaitley said: “An anti-black money drive is a moral step, loot is what happened in 2G, in Commonwealth Games 2010 and in coal block allocation.” Reducing the amount of cash in the economy won't end corruption but definitely make it difficult: @arunjaitley defends #demonitization — prasad sanyal (@prasadsanyal) November 7, 2017 × While it may be politically expedient to brush off Dr Manmohan Singh and highlight the graft cases when he was the prime minister from 2004 to 2014, it must be conceded that Dr Singh does know a thing or two about the Indian economy. He does have a Tripos from Cambridge and a DPhil from Oxford in Economics. Besides, he has been a Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, headed the Planning Commission in its heydays in the 1980s and, as finance minister between 1991 and 1996, was the harbinger of economic liberalisation in India. In a series of tweets and graphic templates, Prime Minister Modi has defended the move saying, it has resulted in the ‘highest ever unearthing of black money and dealt a decisive blow to Naxalism and terrorism.’ Giving strong impetus to the fight against black money. https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW via NMApp pic.twitter.com/G0TMkBrX19 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 7, 2017 × Highest ever unearthing of black moneyhttps://t.co/4fvbC31VAW via NMApp pic.twitter.com/jmrJRPVHSL — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 7, 2017 × The verdict is still out on the impact of this move on the Indian economy, and as with other ‘watershed’ moments in recent Indian history, it has left public opinion deeply divided. In a society ridden with inequality and poverty, where the ‘aam aadmi’ is faced with corruption to get even basic amenities, economics doesn’t wash. The promise of nabbing those with black money does, and little wonder then, that the move was received positively - as a decisive measure that will rid India of corruption. The Opposition parties will observe the one-year mark of demonetisation on Wednesday as a “Black Day”. The Bharatiya Janata Party will commemorate the anniversary as “Anti-Black Money Day”. The government has so far been able to pitch demonetisation as a move that was pro-poor and anti-rich, but as the economy shows signs of distress will Robin Hood and his merry band of men be able to assuage the ‘aam aadmi’? As the Finance Minister pointed out today, there has been a shrinking of the informal sector, a wider tax base and greater digitisation in the economy. The government has been on point with its message and there are definite merits to these arguments. Multi-dimensional success of Demonetisation. https://t.co/4fvbC31VAW via NMApp pic.twitter.com/l3qbArBcFy — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 7, 2017 × Though viewed as a bold and landmark move by the masses, a former Finance Minister of India from the Prime Minister’s own BJP, Yashwant Sinha has criticised the move. As businessmen and traders start accounting for the full brunt of the impact of demonitisation, many believe it may not be the best way to tackle corruption. In August this year, the Reserve Bank of India reported Indians returned almost all of the estimated Rs 15.4 lakh crore ($242 billion) in high-currency bills removed from circulation. It implies that a very small amount of unaccounted for money was held in cash. While there has been a lot of hullabaloo over different government agencies sharing different sets of numbers, the total value of non-cash transactions rose by around 19 per cent between November 2016 and August 2017. The value and volume of mobile-based transactions recorded negative growth rates between November 2016 and August 2017. All available evidence suggests that cash has returned to daily transactions and demonetisation may not have had the desired effect, at least in the short-term.

#Demonetisation: Indian economy watershed or waterboarded?

It has been a year since Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on the national television and announced the scrapping of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes.

The BJP is celebrating the first year anniversary of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/demonetisation-indian-economy-watershed-or-waterboarded-23707" target="_blank">Demonetisation</a> as &quot;Anti Black Money Day&quot;&nbsp;while the Congress along with other opposition parties is observing the day as &quot;Black Day&quot;.&nbsp;

The PM assured that the scrapping of the currency notes&nbsp;will help in countering the growing corruption, killing black money, counterfeit notes and cut down funding to terrorists.&nbsp;

Claiming it to be a pro-poor move he said that demonetisation will root out inequality from the society.

PM Modi asked the country to unite in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/demonetisation-will-spur-indian-economy-in-long-run-indias-pm-modi-10715" target="_blank">larger objective of a cleaner society</a>.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp; since the past one year, there has been a constant criticism of the &quot;Modi&nbsp;policy&quot;.&nbsp;

The Opposition has claimed that the policy&nbsp;was responsible for job losses, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sambit-patra-says-for-congress-ease-of-doing-corruption-was-the-core-issue-23288" target="_blank">GDP downfall and destroying small business</a>, besides the physical pain that the people suffered in long queues.

On the eve of the first anniversary of Demonetisation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-repeat-was-organised-loot-and-legalised-plunder-manmohan-singh-on-demonetisation-23656" target="_blank">former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh</a> said, &quot;Demonetisation was a black day for economy and democracy&quot;.

But the govt has maintained that the policy implemented has achieved its set goals.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/demonetisation-november-8-watershed-moment-in-history-of-indian-economy-says-arun-jaitley-23652" target="_blank">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley </a>said that&nbsp;demonetisation has led to a significant <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/demonitisation-choked-terror-funds-says-jaitley-23669" target="_blank">decrease in terror activities</a> in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

He claimed that the total fake currencies seized after demonetisation accounted to Rs 11.23 crore

The Reserve Bank of India recently claimed that 99 per cent of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes amounting to Rs 15.44 lakh crore have come back to the banking system.

The government also said that about Rs 17,000 crore has been recovered from income tax raids after the implementation of the policy.&nbsp;

The government also claims that demonetisation has led to an increase in tax base with 9.1 million new taxpayers. They have stated an increase of 24 per cent in tax collections.&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-is-moving-towards-digital-economy-post-demonetisation-arun-jaitley-23614" target="_blank">India moving towards digital economy </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-is-moving-towards-digital-economy-post-demonetisation-arun-jaitley-23614" target="_blank">post-demonetisation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-is-moving-towards-digital-economy-post-demonetisation-arun-jaitley-23614" target="_blank">: Arun Jaitley</a>

&nbsp;

The BJP-led central government is celebrating the first year anniversary of Demonetisation as 'Anti Black Money Day'?while the Congress along with other opposition parties is observing the day as 'Black Day'

It has been a year since Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on the national television and announced the scrapping of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes. The BJP is celebrating the first year anniversary of Demonetisation as "Anti Black Money Day" while the Congress along with other opposition parties is observing the day as "Black Day". The PM assured that the scrapping of the currency notes will help in countering the growing corruption, killing black money, counterfeit notes and cut down funding to terrorists. Claiming it to be a pro-poor move he said that demonetisation will root out inequality from the society. PM Modi asked the country to unite in the larger objective of a cleaner society. However, since the past one year, there has been a constant criticism of the "Modi policy". The Opposition has claimed that the policy was responsible for job losses, GDP downfall and destroying small business, besides the physical pain that the people suffered in long queues. On the eve of the first anniversary of Demonetisation former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, "Demonetisation was a black day for economy and democracy". But the govt has maintained that the policy implemented has achieved its set goals. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that demonetisation has led to a significant decrease in terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh. He claimed that the total fake currencies seized after demonetisation accounted to Rs 11.23 crore The Reserve Bank of India recently claimed that 99 per cent of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes amounting to Rs 15.44 lakh crore have come back to the banking system. The government also said that about Rs 17,000 crore has been recovered from income tax raids after the implementation of the policy. The government also claims that demonetisation has led to an increase in tax base with 9.1 million new taxpayers. They have stated an increase of 24 per cent in tax collections. Also read: India moving towards digital economy post-demonetisation: Arun Jaitley

One year of demonetisation: Government observes 'Anti Black Money Day'

Lashing out at the Centre, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on&thinsp;Wednesday said note ban and GST rollout have broken the legs of Surat as he observed a &ldquo;black day&rdquo; in the country&rsquo;s textile and diamond hub.

Gandhi interacted with industry representatives and workers at Nirman Industries&rsquo; loom factory in Katargam industrial development area after he arrived in the Surat city of the poll-bound Gujarat.

&ldquo;There was an attack on India&rsquo;s economy one year back,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;I interacted with the people here and they told me that notebandi (demonetisation) and then GST have broken Surat&rsquo;s legs. The industry has been finished by the twin blows not only here, but in the entire country,&rdquo; Gandhi said.

&ldquo;The people said that they have been threatened. But truth cannot be suppressed, it will come out,&rdquo; the Congress leader told reporters.

He said, &ldquo;Surat is the place which can compete with China and has been doing it. Jobs will either come to India or China. But instead of helping them, the government has destroyed their strength.&rdquo;

Hitting out at the new tax regime rolled out by the NDA government on July 1 this year, Gandhi said, &ldquo;We had told (Prime Minister) Narendra Modiji and (Union Finance Minister) Arun Jaitleyji not to implement the GST in this way.&rdquo;

He said, &ldquo;This is not a political thing, this is not between the Congress and the BJP. This is about India&rsquo;s competitiveness, we have to compete with China. You please do not kill our industries and businesses. But they said that we are going to implement it at 12 midnight,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;You press (media) people were asking us, why we are not allowing GST to be implemented, because we wanted to save Surat and the country,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;GST means one nation, one tax. But this GST, implemented by Modiji, which has five layers will not work. We had said that maximum cap on taxes should be 18 per cent but they did not listen to us,&rdquo; the Congress leader said.

Gandhi is expected to have a formal interaction with traders in Adajan area of the city this evening.

He is also likely to participate in a candle light vigil, to mark the &ldquo;black day&rdquo;, near Vivekanand statue in Chowk Bazar area of Surat.

The prime minister had announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes as a measure to fight black money, corruption, fake currency and terror funding on this day last year.

The opposition is observing a &ldquo;black day&rdquo; today.

The opposition is observing a ?black day? today.

Lashing out at the Centre, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said note ban and GST rollout have broken the legs of Surat as he observed a “black day” in the country’s textile and diamond hub. Gandhi interacted with industry representatives and workers at Nirman Industries’ loom factory in Katargam industrial development area after he arrived in the Surat city of the poll-bound Gujarat. “There was an attack on India’s economy one year back,” he said. “I interacted with the people here and they told me that notebandi (demonetisation) and then GST have broken Surat’s legs. The industry has been finished by the twin blows not only here, but in the entire country,” Gandhi said. “The people said that they have been threatened. But truth cannot be suppressed, it will come out,” the Congress leader told reporters. He said, “Surat is the place which can compete with China and has been doing it. Jobs will either come to India or China. But instead of helping them, the government has destroyed their strength.” Hitting out at the new tax regime rolled out by the NDA government on July 1 this year, Gandhi said, “We had told (Prime Minister) Narendra Modiji and (Union Finance Minister) Arun Jaitleyji not to implement the GST in this way.” He said, “This is not a political thing, this is not between the Congress and the BJP. This is about India’s competitiveness, we have to compete with China. You please do not kill our industries and businesses. But they said that we are going to implement it at 12 midnight,” he said. “You press (media) people were asking us, why we are not allowing GST to be implemented, because we wanted to save Surat and the country,” he said. “GST means one nation, one tax. But this GST, implemented by Modiji, which has five layers will not work. We had said that maximum cap on taxes should be 18 per cent but they did not listen to us,” the Congress leader said. Gandhi is expected to have a formal interaction with traders in Adajan area of the city this evening. He is also likely to participate in a candle light vigil, to mark the “black day”, near Vivekanand statue in Chowk Bazar area of Surat. The prime minister had announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes as a measure to fight black money, corruption, fake currency and terror funding on this day last year. The opposition is observing a “black day” today.

Note ban, GST have broken textile hub Surat's legs: Rahul Gandhi

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will observe &quot;anti-black money day&quot; on November 8 to counter the Oppostion&#39;s&nbsp;&quot;Black Day&quot;.

&quot;November 8 will complete one year of demonetisation. The party has decided to celebrate the day as anti-black money day,&quot; Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, while addressing the media on Wednesday.

Jaitley further said that people who deposited money disproportionate to their income &quot;are now being forced to pay taxes.&quot;

&quot;Not the confiscation of money, but squeezing the quantum of cash was the objective of demonetisation,&quot; he added.

The finance minister also said that post the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a new transition phase had been heralded in&nbsp;which would make cash generation difficult.

He added that the Congress had adequate opportunity while being in power, but he &quot;can`t recollect a single step that they took against black money.&quot;

The Opposition parties had earlier decided to observe November 8 - the first anniversary of demonetisation - as &quot;Black Day&quot;.&nbsp;

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told the media here, &quot;Possibly, this is the first time that a decision announced by the Prime Minister had to be changed 135 times. It just shows how ill-conceived it was.&quot;

Azad was speaking in the presence of Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O&#39;Brien, besides others.

He claimed that 18 parties would be protesting in their own respective ways in all states.

O`Brien described demonetisation as a &quot;big scam&quot; and added that TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first leader to point this out.

On Monday, the opposition formed a coordination committee and met for the first time in Parliament.

The meeting was attended by Azad, O&#39;Brien, Yadav, CPI MP D. Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and BSP MP Satish Mishra.On November 8, 2016, the Centre announced to demonetise 500- and 1000-rupee banknotes.The government also introduced new Rs.200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 notes.The government had then said that the action would curtail the shadow economy and crack down on the use of illicit and counterfeit cash to fund illegal activity and terrorism.&nbsp;

November 8 is the first anniversary of demonetisation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will observe "anti-black money day" on November 8 to counter the Oppostion's "Black Day". "November 8 will complete one year of demonetisation. The party has decided to celebrate the day as anti-black money day," Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, while addressing the media on Wednesday. Jaitley further said that people who deposited money disproportionate to their income "are now being forced to pay taxes." "Not the confiscation of money, but squeezing the quantum of cash was the objective of demonetisation," he added. The finance minister also said that post the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a new transition phase had been heralded in which would make cash generation difficult. He added that the Congress had adequate opportunity while being in power, but he "can`t recollect a single step that they took against black money." The Opposition parties had earlier decided to observe November 8 - the first anniversary of demonetisation - as "Black Day". Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told the media here, "Possibly, this is the first time that a decision announced by the Prime Minister had to be changed 135 times. It just shows how ill-conceived it was." Azad was speaking in the presence of Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, besides others. He claimed that 18 parties would be protesting in their own respective ways in all states. O`Brien described demonetisation as a "big scam" and added that TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first leader to point this out. On Monday, the opposition formed a coordination committee and met for the first time in Parliament. The meeting was attended by Azad, O'Brien, Yadav, CPI MP D. Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and BSP MP Satish Mishra.On November 8, 2016, the Centre announced to demonetise 500- and 1000-rupee banknotes.The government also introduced new Rs.200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 notes.The government had then said that the action would curtail the shadow economy and crack down on the use of illicit and counterfeit cash to fund illegal activity and terrorism.

Nov 8: Opposition to observe 'Black Day', BJP 'anti-black money day'

Anti-Pakistan protests were held on Sunday across the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan to mark the &quot;Black Day&quot;.

It was on this day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/black-day-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-6172" target="_blank">October 22 in 1947 that the Pakistan Army, disguised as tribal raiders, invaded the undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

Protests were reported from Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Gilgit and Hajirah and other places.

People came out on the streets to register their protest on the 70th anniversary of the day.

A massive rally and public meeting were held at Banbehek, near Rawalakot. The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory.

Watch:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/india-calls-pok-its-integral-part-assures-medical-visa-to-ailing-man-4238" target="_blank"> India calls PoK its &#39;integral part&#39;, assures medical visa to ailing man</a>

A similar protest rally was held at the Kotli and Hajira towns of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The rallies have been continuing throughout the day. Some of the protestors gathered at the Neelum Bridge in Muzaffarabad and spoke about the atrocities being committed by the Pakistan Army on the people of the PoK and Gilgit.

Nabeel Mughal, an activist of Muzaffarabad-based Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) said, &quot;We are protesting at the historic Neelum Bridge in Muzaffarabad, where the tribals carried out an attack on October 22, 1947.&quot;

He added, &quot;Our protests raise many issues including the illegal construction of Neelum Jhelum hydro-electric project, which causes problems for the locals. We also demand the government to remove restrictions on students&#39; organizations and immediately release all political activists from Gilgit Baltistan who are lodged in jails.&quot;

Dr. Misfar Hassan, the president of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation League, said, &quot;It was tribals from Pakistan who created this conflict. They invaded an independent state on October 22, 1947, with an intent to occupy it. Jammu and Kashmir was attacked by Pakistan and one-third of our people are under foreign occupation. This is why we consider October 22 as a black day in our history.&quot;

He added, &quot;Our protest is held in that context as they continue to cause problems in Kashmir by sending out mercenaries who indulge in violence. We want peace and our rights.&quot;

Sardar Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman, the Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), said, &quot;We are protesting against the division of Jammu Kashmir. On this day, in 1947, our beloved country was invaded, divided and captured by the PakistanArmy and they still continue to loot and harass the good people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, who are living in fear as they are constantly staring down the barrel of a gun.&quot;

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also known as &quot;Azad Kashmir&quot;, has a Prime Minister and a President, but is ruled from Islamabad. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is the chairman and chief executive of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council that manages all affairs related to PoK.

Usman Kiani, the president of the United Kashmir People&#39;s National Party, said, &quot;We demand (Pakistan) to vacate our land as per the UN Security Council resolution.&quot;

Exiled Kashmiri leader and the chairman of the United Kashmir People&#39;s National Party (UKPNP), Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, said, &quot;Pakistan claims that she is champion of self-determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir but fact is this that she did not respect the right to self-determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir and attacked sovereignty and integrity of our motherland.&quot;

He added, &quot;It was Pakistan who first attacked Jammu and Kashmir and compelled our ruler Maharaja Hari Singh to seek help from India. He signed a provisional treaty of accession with India to get military help. No one but Pakistan is responsible for this state of affairs.&quot;

&quot;The United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir clearly ask Pakistan to withdraw its troops and citizens from the state. But since 1948, Pakistan has not complied with the UN resolutions, Kashmiris are divided and suffering on both sides of so-called the Line of Control,&quot; added Kashmir.

Sajjad Raja, the international coordinator of the Dogra Sadar Sabha Jammu and Kashmir, said, &quot;The immoral, inhumane, illegal, unconstitutional, violent and brutal invasion of 22 October installed the so-called Azad Kashmir, which is in fact &quot;Azab Kashmir&quot;, government which surrendered all basic human, political, constitutional, civil and economic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan and handed in the 27,000 sq miles areas of Gilgit and Baltistan to direct Pakistani agency rule.&quot;

&quot;The people of Jammu and Kashmir protest against Pakistan on this day to declare their will to obtain independence from Pakistan and demand withdrawal of Pakistani army and civil servants from the State of Jammu and Kashmir,&quot; added Raja.&nbsp;

Protests were reported from Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Gilgit and Hajirah and other places

Anti-Pakistan protests were held on Sunday across the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan to mark the "Black Day". It was on this day, October 22 in 1947 that the Pakistan Army, disguised as tribal raiders, invaded the undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir. Protests were reported from Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Gilgit and Hajirah and other places. People came out on the streets to register their protest on the 70th anniversary of the day. A massive rally and public meeting were held at Banbehek, near Rawalakot. The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory. Watch: India calls PoK its 'integral part', assures medical visa to ailing man A similar protest rally was held at the Kotli and Hajira towns of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The rallies have been continuing throughout the day. Some of the protestors gathered at the Neelum Bridge in Muzaffarabad and spoke about the atrocities being committed by the Pakistan Army on the people of the PoK and Gilgit. Nabeel Mughal, an activist of Muzaffarabad-based Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) said, "We are protesting at the historic Neelum Bridge in Muzaffarabad, where the tribals carried out an attack on October 22, 1947." He added, "Our protests raise many issues including the illegal construction of Neelum Jhelum hydro-electric project, which causes problems for the locals. We also demand the government to remove restrictions on students' organizations and immediately release all political activists from Gilgit Baltistan who are lodged in jails." Dr. Misfar Hassan, the president of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation League, said, "It was tribals from Pakistan who created this conflict. They invaded an independent state on October 22, 1947, with an intent to occupy it. Jammu and Kashmir was attacked by Pakistan and one-third of our people are under foreign occupation. This is why we consider October 22 as a black day in our history." He added, "Our protest is held in that context as they continue to cause problems in Kashmir by sending out mercenaries who indulge in violence. We want peace and our rights." Sardar Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman, the Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), said, "We are protesting against the division of Jammu Kashmir. On this day, in 1947, our beloved country was invaded, divided and captured by the PakistanArmy and they still continue to loot and harass the good people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, who are living in fear as they are constantly staring down the barrel of a gun." Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also known as "Azad Kashmir", has a Prime Minister and a President, but is ruled from Islamabad. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is the chairman and chief executive of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council that manages all affairs related to PoK. Usman Kiani, the president of the United Kashmir People's National Party, said, "We demand (Pakistan) to vacate our land as per the UN Security Council resolution." Exiled Kashmiri leader and the chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, said, "Pakistan claims that she is champion of self-determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir but fact is this that she did not respect the right to self-determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir and attacked sovereignty and integrity of our motherland." He added, "It was Pakistan who first attacked Jammu and Kashmir and compelled our ruler Maharaja Hari Singh to seek help from India. He signed a provisional treaty of accession with India to get military help. No one but Pakistan is responsible for this state of affairs." "The United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir clearly ask Pakistan to withdraw its troops and citizens from the state. But since 1948, Pakistan has not complied with the UN resolutions, Kashmiris are divided and suffering on both sides of so-called the Line of Control," added Kashmir. Sajjad Raja, the international coordinator of the Dogra Sadar Sabha Jammu and Kashmir, said, "The immoral, inhumane, illegal, unconstitutional, violent and brutal invasion of 22 October installed the so-called Azad Kashmir, which is in fact "Azab Kashmir", government which surrendered all basic human, political, constitutional, civil and economic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan and handed in the 27,000 sq miles areas of Gilgit and Baltistan to direct Pakistani agency rule." "The people of Jammu and Kashmir protest against Pakistan on this day to declare their will to obtain independence from Pakistan and demand withdrawal of Pakistani army and civil servants from the State of Jammu and Kashmir," added Raja.

Anti-Pakistan protests across PoK to mark 1947 invasion

Supporters of more than 40 political parties and hard-line religious groups, some of them proscribed for terror activities, will stage a march starting from Lahore to the capital city of Islamabad in Pakistan to show solidarity over the growing unrest in Kashmir in India. The rally will pledge support from the Pakistani establishment for the &#39;liberation of Kashmir&#39; in India. Pakistan has declared July 19 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. 
 
Tehreek e Azaadi Jammu Kashmir (TAJK), a front group of the banned militant organisation Lashkar e Taiba and its charitable affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), is organising the rally called &#39;Caravan for Kashmir&#39; starting on Tuesday, following a call by its chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. 
 
Several militant groups focusing on armed jihad in Indian Kashmir are participating in the rally. Cutting across political and ideological lines, groups like Difa e Pakistan Council &ndash; an alliance of more than 40 parties including JuD, Sipah e Sahiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, headed by Maulana Sami ul Haque, also known as founding father of Taliban, will take part. 
 
Mohammad Safi, representative of Hurriyat Conference in Pakistan; PoK-based United Jihad Council led by Syed Salahuddin, Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haque, Awami Muslim League, Muslim Conference, Muslim League (Zia faction) and intellectuals including Abdullah Gul (son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul), Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former prime minister of PoK, Izazul Haq (son of late President Zia-ul-Haq), will take part in the rally. 
 
The road show starting from Shuhada mosque in Lahore will make its way through Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Jhelum and Rawalpindi before reaching Islamabad. &quot;The route can be covered in four hours, but since lakhs are joining, the rally will stop in main cities where leaders will make speeches. It will reach Islamabad the next day,&#39;&#39; media coordinator TAJK, Nadeem Awan, told dna. 
 
The road show is expected to receive wide support from the villages and districts on the route populated by Kashmiri immigrants who have settled in Punjab province after partition. The province is also a major recruitment ground for armed jihadi groups fighting in Kashmir. 
 
Awan said that Kashmiris living in Pakistan wanted to organise a rally to &quot;express their support to the brothers suffering under the atrocities of the Indian army.&#39;&#39; 
 
&quot;The road show will bring national and international attention to the dreadful situation in Kashmir. It will also let our brothers and sisters in Kashmir know they are not alone. Kashmiris are a part of Pakistani blood,&#39;&#39; he said. 
 
The TAJK had organised a similar road show in 2009 on Kashmir Solidarity Day, attended by the top leadership of jihadi groups including the LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. 
 
The rally will collect &#39;funds&#39; or donations from supporters for the Kashmir cause. Awan said that on social media, Kashmiris were posting on shortage of medical supplies and food and money will be collected to send relief across the border. &quot;We will send relief packages of food and medicine. We will also try to send a team of doctors if permission is given for them to travel to Kashmir.&#39;&#39; 
 
The unrest in Kashmir followed by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a week ago has caused political frenzy in Pakistan with cabinet ministers in the Nawaz Sharif-led government calling the deaths as &#39;genocide&#39;. 
 
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the foreign policy based on &#39;Sharif-Modi&#39; friendship for failing to address the Kashmir issue. Sharif, the ministry of foreign affairs and LeT chief Saeed issued statements castigating India for &quot;using excessive force against street protestors and civilians&quot;. 
 
The confrontation has resulted in 41 civilian deaths, injuries to over 1,000 persons, censorship on local media and a curfew restricting daily movements to bring the situation under control. 
 
India has rebuffed calls from Pakistan, saying the latter has no right to talk on India&#39;s internal matters. 
 
(DNA)

The rally will seek support from the Pakistani establishment for the 'liberation of Kashmir' in India

Supporters of more than 40 political parties and hard-line religious groups, some of them proscribed for terror activities, will stage a march starting from Lahore to the capital city of Islamabad in Pakistan to show solidarity over the growing unrest in Kashmir in India. The rally will pledge support from the Pakistani establishment for the 'liberation of Kashmir' in India. Pakistan has declared July 19 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. Tehreek e Azaadi Jammu Kashmir (TAJK), a front group of the banned militant organisation Lashkar e Taiba and its charitable affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), is organising the rally called 'Caravan for Kashmir' starting on Tuesday, following a call by its chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. Several militant groups focusing on armed jihad in Indian Kashmir are participating in the rally. Cutting across political and ideological lines, groups like Difa e Pakistan Council – an alliance of more than 40 parties including JuD, Sipah e Sahiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, headed by Maulana Sami ul Haque, also known as founding father of Taliban, will take part. Mohammad Safi, representative of Hurriyat Conference in Pakistan; PoK-based United Jihad Council led by Syed Salahuddin, Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haque, Awami Muslim League, Muslim Conference, Muslim League (Zia faction) and intellectuals including Abdullah Gul (son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul), Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former prime minister of PoK, Izazul Haq (son of late President Zia-ul-Haq), will take part in the rally. The road show starting from Shuhada mosque in Lahore will make its way through Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Jhelum and Rawalpindi before reaching Islamabad. "The route can be covered in four hours, but since lakhs are joining, the rally will stop in main cities where leaders will make speeches. It will reach Islamabad the next day,'' media coordinator TAJK, Nadeem Awan, told dna. The road show is expected to receive wide support from the villages and districts on the route populated by Kashmiri immigrants who have settled in Punjab province after partition. The province is also a major recruitment ground for armed jihadi groups fighting in Kashmir. Awan said that Kashmiris living in Pakistan wanted to organise a rally to "express their support to the brothers suffering under the atrocities of the Indian army.'' "The road show will bring national and international attention to the dreadful situation in Kashmir. It will also let our brothers and sisters in Kashmir know they are not alone. Kashmiris are a part of Pakistani blood,'' he said. The TAJK had organised a similar road show in 2009 on Kashmir Solidarity Day, attended by the top leadership of jihadi groups including the LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. The rally will collect 'funds' or donations from supporters for the Kashmir cause. Awan said that on social media, Kashmiris were posting on shortage of medical supplies and food and money will be collected to send relief across the border. "We will send relief packages of food and medicine. We will also try to send a team of doctors if permission is given for them to travel to Kashmir.'' The unrest in Kashmir followed by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a week ago has caused political frenzy in Pakistan with cabinet ministers in the Nawaz Sharif-led government calling the deaths as 'genocide'. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the foreign policy based on 'Sharif-Modi' friendship for failing to address the Kashmir issue. Sharif, the ministry of foreign affairs and LeT chief Saeed issued statements castigating India for "using excessive force against street protestors and civilians". The confrontation has resulted in 41 civilian deaths, injuries to over 1,000 persons, censorship on local media and a curfew restricting daily movements to bring the situation under control. India has rebuffed calls from Pakistan, saying the latter has no right to talk on India's internal matters. (DNA)

Pakistan: After Hafiz Saeed's call, 40 hardline political parties to collect funds for jihad in Kashmir today

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