The embassy of Pakistan in Russia hosted an evening called “The black day of Kashmir”, consecrated to the Kashmir conflict. It was related to the anniversary of the armed stand-off between India and Pakistan for getting Kashmir.

Ildar Galeyev, head of the International Department of the Russian Muftis Council, attended the event. The words of the President and the Prime-Minister of Pakistan were read during the event. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan gave a speech, expressing his concern over the state of Muslims in the area of Kashmir controlled by India, and recalled tragic events that caused civilian casualties.

The conflict was tied to a dispute of local autonomy of the Jammu and Kashmir region. It was a disputed territory, because when the conflict arose (27.10.1947), it was governed by a pro-Indian maharaja, while the overwhelming majority of its population was professing Islam, and therefore was interested in  affiliation with Pakistan. The Kashmir issue, which has not been resolved yet, caused four wars between India and Pakistan and many armed conflicts.

The USSR and Russia played an important role in preventing conflict situations. The religious aspect also matters for the Kashmir problem, and the interaction between our countries with regard to religious issues has been expanding. This is why the fact that the RMC representatives were invited to this event was a gesture from the Pakistani side.