The Kashmir Resistance Calendar – Key Dates That Shaped a Nation’s Struggle

Throughout history, nations have been defined not only by their geography or rulers but by their memory of struggle. In Kashmir, every generation has carried the echoes of resistance, faith, and resilience.

The Kashmiri story is not just about wars or politics, it is a chronicle of people who refused to let their identity be erased.

From the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846 to the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the land has witnessed waves of change, each leaving behind a date that became etched into collective memory. These dates now form what can be called the Kashmir Resistance Calendar, a timeline of remembrance, sacrifice, and hope that continues to shape Kashmiri consciousness.

Below, we explore these key milestones, the moments that defined the Kashmiri struggle for dignity, self-expression, and justice.

🕊️ 1 January – UN-Brokered Ceasefire

After more than a year of conflict, the United Nations intervened, and on 1 January 1949, a ceasefire took effect. This ceasefire line (later known as the Line of Control) divided the region — with one-third administered by Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan) and two-thirds by India.

The ceasefire also initiated the UN’s long-standing role in Kashmir’s future. The United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolutions of 1948–49 called for a free and impartial plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to decide their destiny — a promise yet unfulfilled.

🕊️ 5 February – Kashmir Solidarity Day

Kashmir Solidarity Day, first observed on 5 February 1990, has since grown into a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance for the Kashmiri cause. Marked annually across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Kashmiri diaspora communities worldwide, the day pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the struggle for self-determination and highlights the continuing humanitarian and political crisis in the region.

It serves as both a memorial and a message — that the pain of Kashmir cannot be forgotten, nor its people abandoned.

Across cities and towns, schools, mosques, and community centres host programmes, art displays, and rallies to express solidarity. Speeches by activists and leaders call for the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir, while human chains and symbolic gestures demonstrate the emotional bond that connects Kashmiris with supporters beyond the Line of Control.

For millions, the day is not just a political statement but a reaffirmation of faith, resilience, and the enduring hope that justice and freedom will one day prevail in the valley.

✊ Remembering the Martyrs: 9 & 11 February

Every February, Kashmiris remember two men whose deaths are tied not just to court verdicts, but to the unresolved political question of Kashmir.

On 9 February 2013, Afzal Guru was executed in Delhi’s Tihar Jail after being convicted for his alleged role in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. His trial and sentencing remain widely debated in Kashmir, with many viewing it as a “political” execution carried out to satisfy national sentiment rather than deliver transparent justice.

Almost three decades earlier, on 11 February 1984, Maqbool Bhat, co-founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and a leading advocate of an independent, united Kashmir, was hanged in the same prison.

Like Afzal Guru, his body was not returned. Both men were buried inside Tihar, denying their families and people the right to perform final rites in their homeland. For Kashmiris, these two dates have become days of mourning and resistance, symbolising the ongoing struggle for self-determination, the right to dissent, and the demand that even in death, Kashmiris be treated with dignity.

💥 8 March – Prelude to War

As tensions along the ceasefire line deepened, 8 March 1965 witnessed the first major clashes between Indian and Pakistani forces since the 1947–48 conflict. What began as a series of localised skirmishes in the Rann of Kutch and across the Ceasefire Line in Kashmir soon expanded into a full-scale confrontation later that year — the Second Kashmir War.

This brief but intense conflict once again underscored how fragile peace in the region remained, and how deeply Kashmir was woven into the political and emotional fabric of both nations.

Although the war ended with the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966, its impact was far-reaching. It reinforced the centrality of Kashmir in South Asian geopolitics and revealed the growing military ambitions on both sides of the border.

For many Kashmiris, it was another reminder that their homeland continued to serve as the battleground for rival states — a place where global diplomacy and national pride often outweighed the voices and aspirations of the people themselves.

🏰 16 March – The Treaty of Amritsar

The roots of modern Kashmir’s struggle trace back to 16 March 1846, when the Treaty of Amritsar was signed between the British East India Company and Maharaja Gulab Singh. For a sum of 7.5 million Nanakshahi rupees, Britain effectively sold the people of Kashmir as part of its post-Sikh-War settlements.

This treaty transferred sovereignty without the consent of the Kashmiri population, an event that many later described as the “sale of Kashmir.” It laid the foundation for Dogra rule, which would last for a century and define the first modern chapter of Kashmiri resistance.

For generations, this date has symbolised the loss of autonomy and the beginning of oppression, prompting early uprisings among peasants, artisans, and religious scholars.

The Dogra rulers, under Maharaja Gulab Singh, maintained their grip on Kashmir through a system built on fear, suppression, and control. Their reign was marked by heavy taxation, forced labour, and widespread discrimination against the Muslim majority population, who were often excluded from positions of influence or land ownership. Those who dared to speak out against the Dogra regime were swiftly silenced, imprisoned, tortured, or made to disappear without a trace.

The Dogras used their army and intelligence networks to crush even the smallest sign of dissent, ensuring that their rule remained unchallenged for decades.

For many Kashmiris, this period became a dark chapter in their history, one defined by deep inequality and social injustice. The once-flourishing valley, known for its culture and spirituality, fell under an atmosphere of fear and control.

Public gatherings were monitored, religious expression was restricted, and even cultural practices were viewed with suspicion. The Dogra regime’s attempts to enforce obedience created not loyalty but resentment, sowing the seeds of future uprisings. In the hearts of ordinary Kashmiris, the longing for freedom and dignity began to grow, setting the stage for the resistance that would later define modern Kashmir’s story.

🏛️ 21 April – UN Resolution 47

Among the most significant UN interventions, Resolution 47 outlined a three-step process: ceasefire, troop withdrawal, and a UN-supervised plebiscite. It remains the legal and moral foundation of the international discourse on Kashmir’s right to self-determination.

Many Kashmiri scholars and historians mark 21 April as a cornerstone in global recognition of the dispute — a date symbolising hope and diplomacy amid decades of suffering.

🌿 21 May – Shaheed Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq Day

By the late 1980s, public discontent turned into a widespread uprising. 21 May 1990 saw the assassination of Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, a revered religious leader and advocate of dialogue.
His funeral procession, attended by tens of thousands, was fired upon, leading to more casualties.

The date remains a day of mourning and remembrance in the Valley. Coincidentally, Abdul Gani Lone, another senior leader, was also assassinated on 21 May 2002, giving the day double significance.

🕯️ 11 June – Tufail Mattoo Martyrdom Day

The killing of Tufail Ahmad Mattoo on 11 June 2010 in Srinagar became one of the most defining moments in Kashmir’s modern history. The 17-year-old student was returning home from tuition when he was struck in the head by a tear gas shell fired by Indian police near Rajouri Kadal.

His death, entirely unprovoked, sent shockwaves across the valley. Images of his schoolbag lying beside his blood-stained uniform spread quickly, symbolising the vulnerability of Kashmiri youth caught between security forces and street protests.

What began as mourning soon turned into mass demonstrations, as thousands poured into the streets demanding justice and accountability.

Over the following months, the summer of 2010 became one of the deadliest civilian uprisings since the 1990s. Security forces responded with curfews, raids, and open fire, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 civilians, many of them teenagers.

Tufail’s death became a rallying cry, a reminder of innocence lost, and a generation forced to grow up under surveillance and fear. His story marked the beginning of a new era of political consciousness among Kashmiri youth, who began to see resistance not as rebellion, but as a demand for dignity and recognition in their own homeland.

🌙 8 July – Burhan Wani Shaheed Day

On 8 July 2016, the killing of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, a young commander from Tral, triggered one of the largest civilian uprisings in recent memory. His image, widely shared on social media, made him a symbol of youth resistance and digital mobilisation.

The months that followed saw massive protests, curfews, and human rights concerns, but also renewed debates on Kashmir’s unresolved status.

⚖️ 13 July – Martyrs’ Day (Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir)

Nearly a century later, the struggle took a defining turn. On 13 July 1931, thousands gathered outside Srinagar Central Jail where a man named Abdul Qadeer was on trial for anti-Dogra remarks.

It was the time of Dhuhr, the midday prayer. The atmosphere outside the jail was tense; soldiers watched every movement, their rifles ready.

The Muazzin, determined to raise the Adhaan, the call to prayer, as a declaration of faith and defiance whilst people gathered in Safs (lines of prayer). His voice rang out: “Allahu Akbar…” before a shot silenced him. He fell where he stood, a martyr. Without hesitation, another stepped forward to continue the Adhaan, only to meet the same fate. Then a third rose, his voice trembling but resolute, completing the sacred call even as bullets tore through the air.

Each Muazzin who fell was replaced by another, their courage echoing louder than the gunfire. The Adhaan was completed that day, not by one voice, but by the blood and faith of 22 people. This moment became a defining symbol of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, a day when the people of the valley proved that no army, no ruler, and no tyranny could silence their devotion or their struggle for dignity.

Their sacrifice was not only for prayer but for the right to live and worship freely in the land they called home.

This tragedy marked the birth of organised resistance in modern Kashmir. The date became sacred — remembered as Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir (Martyrs’ Day). For decades, 13 July was observed officially in both Srinagar and Muzaffarabad as a day of mourning and resolve.

The martyrs’ blood laid the foundation for later movements demanding justice, equality, and self-determination.

⚫ 5 August – Revocation of Article 370 & 35A

Perhaps the most consequential modern date, 5 August 2019, marks India’s revocation of Article 370 and 35A — constitutional provisions granting Jammu & Kashmir semi-autonomous status.

For many Kashmiris, this was seen as a violation of prior agreements and UN commitments. The region was placed under communication blackout, with detentions and restrictions lasting months.
Since then, 5 August is observed as “Youm-e-Siyah” (Black Day) — a reminder of lost autonomy and continuing resilience.

Learn more about the Revocation of Article 370 and 35A here.

🌸 12 October – Earthquake Remembrance Day

While not rooted in political resistance, 12 October stands as a solemn day of remembrance across Azad Kashmir and Northern Pakistan. It marks the anniversary of the 2005 earthquake, one of the deadliest natural disasters in South Asia’s history, which claimed more than 80,000 lives and left millions homeless.

Entire villages in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Neelum Valley were reduced to rubble within minutes, reshaping both the landscape and the lives of those who called it home.

In the broader Kashmiri story of resilience, this tragedy is remembered as a profound test of faith, unity, and humanity. From within Kashmir to the diaspora communities in Britain, Europe, and the Gulf, people mobilised to send aid, rebuild homes, and restore schools and mosques. What began as heartbreak became an enduring symbol of solidarity — a reminder that even amid immense loss, the Kashmiri spirit finds strength in compassion and collective rebuilding.

Read more about the Kashmir Earthquake of 2005 here.

📜 17 October – AJK’s Interim Constitution

In the aftermath of the 1947 conflict, the establishment of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) marked a pivotal moment in the political evolution of the region.

On 17 October 1949, an interim constitution, known as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government Act, was adopted to provide a framework for governance in the newly liberated territory. This document set up an administrative system with a legislative assembly, president, and council, outlining how the region would function under its own government while maintaining close coordination with Pakistan.

Although the constitution granted only limited autonomy, it represented an early effort to formalise self-governance and preserve the idea of a distinct Kashmiri political identity. Crucially, it also affirmed that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir would remain tied to the outcome of a UN-supervised plebiscite, as envisioned in international resolutions.

Thus, while modest in scope, the 1949 framework laid the foundations for AJK’s political structure and kept alive the principle that the people of Kashmir must one day determine their own destiny.

⚔️ 22–27 October – The First Kashmir War Begins

By late October 1947, tribal forces and local militias advanced towards Srinagar, triggering the first Kashmir war. On 27 October, Indian troops landed in Srinagar following the signing of the controversial Instrument of Accession.

This day is remembered as “Black Day” across Azad Kashmir and Pakistan, symbolising the beginning of foreign military presence in the region. Each year, Kashmiris observe this date with strikes, prayers, and processions, reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful and just resolution of the dispute.

Learn more about the History of Conflicts in Kashmir.

🕊️ 24 October – Foundation of Azad Jammu & Kashmir

As British India partitioned in 1947, the princely states were forced in a position to choose between India and Pakistan. Amid political chaos, a parallel movement in Poonch and Mirpur declared independence from Dogra rule.

On 24 October 1947, the Provisional Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) was formed at Palandri, with Sardar Ibrahim Khan as its first president. This event marked the birth of Azad Kashmir, a territory that continues to function with its own institutions, flag, and identity, reflecting the aspirations of those who fought against oppression in 1947.

⚫ 31 October – J&K Reorganisation Day

The 31st of October 2019 marked a turning point in Kashmir’s long and complex history. On that day, the former state of Jammu and Kashmir ceased to exist as a semi-autonomous entity and was officially bifurcated into two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

This move followed the revocation of Article 370 and 35A, which had granted the region limited autonomy over its affairs. The decision was made unilaterally by the Indian government, without consultation from local representatives or the Kashmiri public. Overnight, the region’s special status, constitution, and flag were removed, and its governance was brought directly under New Delhi’s control.

For some, this was framed as an effort to “fully integrate” Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, a promise of greater development, investment, and administrative efficiency. But for many Kashmiris, it represented something deeper and more painful: the dismantling of their identity, and the loss of self-determination.

The shift reduced their state to a territory governed by appointed officials rather than elected voices, leaving many to feel alienated and silenced in their own homeland. The day became symbolic — not of unity, but of a people’s autonomy being rewritten by decree.

💔 6 November – Jammu Martyrs’ Day

The same year witnessed one of the darkest chapters in Kashmiri history — the Jammu Massacre. Between late October and early November 1947, tens of thousands of Muslims were killed or driven out of the Jammu region amid partition-era violence.

6 November is observed as Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Jammu (Jammu Martyrs’ Day), remembering the innocent lives lost in one of the 20th century’s lesser-known tragedies. Families who fled became refugees in Sialkot, Rawalpindi, and Mirpur — many still carry keys and land deeds from homes they never saw again.

🕯️ 10 December – Human Rights Day

Observed worldwide, 10 December takes on special meaning in Kashmir. Human rights organisations and local activists use this day to highlight issues of civil liberties, enforced disappearances, and the right to peaceful life.

It represents Kashmir’s ongoing appeal for global awareness, linking local suffering to universal principles of justice and humanity.

🌿 Reflection – Beyond Dates, Toward Memory

Every date on the Kashmir Resistance Calendar represents a moment of collective memory — but together, they tell a single story: the story of a people’s unbroken spirit.

From 1846 to 2019, Kashmiris have witnessed empires rise and fall, borders drawn and redrawn, yet their desire for dignity and faith in justice has never waned.

For today’s generation, remembering these dates is not about fuelling division; it is about preserving truth. As elders pass on memories to their children, as historians document the forgotten, and as communities build archives, the Kashmiri struggle continues — not through violence, but through remembrance.

The future of Kashmir lies not only in politics but in protecting its cultural, spiritual, and historical identity. Each date is a verse in that long poem of perseverance — a light guiding the next generation to understand who they are and where they come from.

🌿 Kashmir Resistance Calendar

The Kashmir Resistance Calendar is more than a record of tragedy. It is a chronicle of resilience — a reminder that even under occupation, silence, or exile, the Kashmiri identity endures.

By preserving these dates, the Kashmir Welfare Foundation seeks to keep history alive for generations who might otherwise forget.

As we reflect on these moments, let us commit to truth, dialogue, and peace — principles that can turn the pain of history into the strength of tomorrow.