Where’s Kashmir’s Voice?
Heroes wait, but politics forgets.
I Ahmed Wani
In October 1947, Pakistan sent tribal militias to invade Jammu and Kashmir. They stormed from Muzaffarabad to Srinagar, killing, looting, and destroying everything in their path. Around 20,000 to 40,000 people Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims lost their lives. In Muzaffarabad, 4,500 5,000 were killed in a single day. In Baramulla, about 11,000 were massacred on October 26. These invaders also occupied parts of our land, now called Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). But heroes like Maqbool Sherwani and Master Abdul Aziz fought back. Sherwani, a 19-year-old from Baramulla, tricked the raiders, delaying their attack on Srinagar. He was tortured, nailed to a post, and shot, but he never gave in. Master Abdul Aziz and others in Muzaffarabad resisted too, giving their lives for Kashmir. Brigadier Rajinder Singh, leading a small group of soldiers, held off thousands at Uri, saving Srinagar’s airfield. Yet, 78 years later, we don’t have a Black Day to mark this tragedy or the occupation of PoJK. Why don’t we celebrate the martyrdom of Sherwani and Aziz with grand events? Why the silence from parties like JKNC, PDP, Congress, and even Hurriyat?
Sheikh Abdullah, the leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), stood at Lal Chowk after his release in 1947. He pointed toward Pakistan and spoke of Sherwani, Aziz, and other martyrs, saying their souls were still with us. He called them heroes who died fighting the invaders. Even Mahatma Gandhi praised Sherwani, saying his sacrifice was for all—Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. But today, these names are fading. No political party—JKNC, PDP, Congress, or Hurriyat—holds major events to honor them. There’s no holiday to remember the invasion or PoJK’s occupation. Why? And why don’t we have grand celebrations for the bravery of Sherwani and Aziz?
The invasion of 1947 was not just an attack it was a disaster. Villages were burned, women were abducted, and thousands died. PoJK remains under Pakistan’s control, a reminder of that loss. Heroes like Sherwani, who shouted “Hindu-Muslim-Sikh unity” as he died, and Aziz, who stood firm in Muzaffarabad, saved Kashmir from falling completely. Brigadier Rajinder Singh’s small team stopped the raiders for days, giving India time to send help. These sacrifices helped Kashmir join India on October 26, 1947. Yet, we don’t mark this day with mourning or pride. The Indian Army celebrates October 27 as Infantry Day and honors Sherwani with a memorial in Baramulla. But in Kashmir’s politics, these heroes are ignored. Why?
One reason might be politics. Parties like JKNC, PDP, and Congress want to keep everyone happy, including those who might support Pakistan or separatists. Talking about the 1947 invasion or PoJK’s occupation could upset some voters. It would point fingers at Pakistan, which some groups avoid. The Hurriyat, for 30 years, stayed silent because remembering these martyrs doesn’t fit their narrative of Pakistan as a “savior.” This silence hurts the memory of our heroes. It lets people forget the truth about the invasion and PoJK.
Another reason is that Kashmir’s focus has shifted. Since the 1990s, people talk more about militancy, human rights issues, and newer problems. These matter, but why should they erase 1947? Sherwani and Aziz stood for a united Kashmir, where all communities lived together. Their stories should inspire us, but instead, they’re barely mentioned. Worse, some still call the tribal raiders “freedom fighters,” despite their killing and looting. This twisted narrative makes the invaders seem holy while our martyrs are forgotten.
Omar Abdullah, who leads JKNC today, claims Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy. But why hasn’t he demanded a Black Day for the invasion or PoJK’s occupation? Why no call for grand events to celebrate Sherwani and Aziz? These heroes deserve statues, festivals, and school lessons, not silence. Their martyrdom shows Kashmir’s strength and unity. Ignoring them feels like a betrayal.
We need a Black Day on October 26 or 27 to remember the invasion’s victims and protest PoJK’s occupation. It would show we haven’t forgotten the pain or the land we lost. We also need grand celebrations—parades, speeches, and awards—to honor Sherwani, Aziz, and others. These events would teach young Kashmiris about their heroes and remind everyone of the unity they died for. JKNC, PDP, and Congress must lead this change. They should push for a holiday and public events. Even local leaders and schools can start small—name streets after Sherwani, hold memorial prayers, or teach children about 1947.
Kashmir’s history is full of struggle, but also courage. Sherwani, Aziz, and Rajinder Singh gave their lives for us. Their souls, as Sheikh Abdullah said, are still waiting for justice. A Black Day would honor the dead and demand PoJK’s return. Grand celebrations would lift up our heroes, showing the world Kashmir’s pride. Why do we stay quiet when the invaders’ shadows still linger? It’s time to act mourn the tragedy, celebrate the martyrs, and reclaim our story.
