Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world observed Accession to Pakistan Day on Sunday, renewing their pledge to continue the struggle for liberation from Indian occupation and for the realization of the July 19, 1947 Resolution on Jammu and Kashmir's accession to Pakistan.

The genuine representatives of the Kashmiri people unanimously adopted the historic resolution on this day in 1947 during a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Aabi Guzar, Srinagar.

The resolution called for Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan, citing religious, geographical, cultural and economic ties and the aspirations of its Muslim majority. It was adopted nearly a month before Pakistan and India emerged as independent states on August 14 and 15, 1947, under the British Partition Plan.

Hurriyat leaders and organizations said July 19 holds a unique place in Kashmir's history. On this day, the people decided to link their future with Pakistan.

They said nearly eight decades of Indian occupation have failed to weaken the Kashmiris’ bond with Pakistan. Inspired by the spirit of the resolution, Kashmiris continue their struggle for accession to Pakistan. They recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah described Kashmir as the jugular vein of Pakistan.

A report released by Kashmir Media Service on the occasion stated that more than five hundred thousand Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives for freedom and accession to Pakistan since 1947.

It said Indian forces have martyred over ninety-six thousand five hundred Kashmiris, including seven thousand four hundred twenty-one in custody, since January 1989. More than three thousand Kashmiris, including Hurriyat leaders, remain imprisoned in jails across IIOJK and India.