Suhail Khan
The divided geography of Jammu and Kashmir has produced competing historical memories, national narratives and political loyalties. Every October 27, Kashmir finds itself at the intersection of history, competing political narratives and the enduring aspirations of its people. While the day is observed by separatist groups, including the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), as a Black Day to condemn the arrival of Indian troops in the Valley in 1947, the historical circumstances surrounding that deployment offer a different perspective, one rooted in the invasion that preceded it and the subsequent defence of Srinagar.
This year, the significance of the date is being viewed against the backdrop of renewed attention to the grievances of people in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir PoJK, where protests over economic conditions, political representation and governance have repeatedly brought the region into the headlines.
The story of October 27, 1947, cannot be separated from the events that unfolded five days earlier.
On October 22, armed tribal raiders entered Jammu and Kashmir from the direction of Pakistan, advancing through Muzaffarabad and towards Srinagar. The invasion, commonly associated with the name Operation Gulmarg, brought widespread violence, looting and devastation to areas along the raiders’ route. Historical accounts have also documented killings and atrocities during the attack on Baramulla.
Indian historical and military accounts describe Operation Gulmarg as a Pakistan-backed operation intended to seize Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s role in the invasion has been disputed in official narratives, but accounts by historians and military writers have examined evidence of planning, logistical assistance and the involvement of Pakistani personnel.
As the raiders advanced towards Srinagar, Maharaja Hari Singh sought India’s military assistance. Following the signing of the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar on October 27. Their arrival was crucial in securing the airport, halting the advance towards the capital and beginning the military campaign to push back the invaders.
The subsequent fighting prevented the raiders from capturing Srinagar, although the conflict continued for more than a year and eventually left Jammu and Kashmir divided by a ceasefire line, which later became the Line of Control.
In a nutshell, October 27 is a day of defence against the invasion. The APHC’s observance of October 27 as a Black Day reflects its long-standing support to invasion, brutalities and loot backed by Pakistan Army. While in PoJK, residents have repeatedly taken to the streets to demand affordable electricity, subsidised flour, better public services, accountability and changes to political arrangements. Their protests demonstrate that the aspirations of Kashmiris cannot be understood solely through the prism of India-Pakistan rivalry.
In October 2025, demonstrations in the region escalated into violent confrontations between protesters and law-enforcement personnel. Reports from the period described deaths, injuries, road closures and disruptions to normal life. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned what it characterised as brutalities by Pakistani forces against civilians and called for accountability.
According to contemporary reporting, the protests involved widespread public mobilisation over economic concessions, governance and political representation. The violence left several people dead, including security personnel, before authorities and protest representatives reached an agreement intended to address the demands.
These developments exposed the deep frustration among sections of the population over the cost of living, access to essential services and the perceived privileges of political elites. They also underscored the need for transparent investigations into allegations of excessive force and for the protection of peaceful demonstrators. A protest movement does not automatically establish every political allegation made by either side. Nevertheless, civilian deaths, injuries, loot and restrictions affecting ordinary life demand serious attention, credible inquiries and accountability wherever abuses are established.
On the Indian side of the Line of Control, October 27 is also a reminder of how political life in Jammu and Kashmir has evolved through elections, public institutions, civic participation and the continuing contest over its constitutional and political future. For ordinary Kashmiris, democracy is not merely a matter of competing national claims. It is experienced through the ability to choose representatives, question those in power, raise public grievances, pursue education, seek employment and participate in decisions affecting everyday life.
The return of an elected government in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir especially after the abrogation of Article 370 has renewed public debate over governance, employment, development, statehood and political representation.
The contrast with unrest across the LoC should not become an excuse to overlook challenges within Jammu and Kashmir. Rather, it should reinforce the principle that the well-being of people must remain at the centre of every political argument.
