November 9 will always be remembered as “Black Day” in the history of the subcontinent when the State of Junagadh was illegally, forcibly annexed by India
Junagadh is highly important for Pakistan and we cannot afford to ignore it. Haji Hanif Tayab
(Karachi): 9th November will always be remembered as “ The Black Day” in the history of the subcontinent when India annexed Junagadh illegally and forcibly in 1947, ignoring all international laws and principles. Junagadh state was legally an integral part of Pakistan and despite Indian occupation, it is still an integral part of Pakistan. This was stated by Nawabzadi Aliya Dilawar Khanji on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Junagadh annexation. He recalled the legal and well-justified decision of Nawab Mahabat Khanji, the beloved leader of the people and ruler of the State of Junagadh on September 15, 1947, to sign the Instrument of Accession (IoA) with Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, aligning Junagadh’s destiny with that of Pakistan. India severely but unjustifiably opposed this decision and took illegal, barbaric military action against the State of Junagadh resulting in its annexation with India. Since then this issue has been raised on various platforms but still it has to be resolved.
She further highlighted the sacrifices of the people of Junagadh and said following this illegal occupation, an estimated three million people migrated from Junagadh to Pakistan. These people left behind their valuable assets including their houses, properties, jewelry, and other valuables.
She further elaborated that her father Late Nawab Dilawar Khanji the legal heir apparent along with his father Nawab Mahabat Khanji has tirelessly international support for Junagadh’s rightful recognition. They argued and requested the United Nations Organization (UNO) to review Junagadh’s historical issue and to acknowledge the legitimate claim of Junagadh’s people. Indian occupation and annexation is a clear violation of all international laws, norms, and values. Millions of refugees are waiting for justice from international bodies for nearly eighty decades.
On the occasion renowned social activist, philanthropist, and highly respectable member of the Memon community Janab Haji Hanif Tayab underscored the importance of Junagadh for Pakistan and pledged that no stone will be unturned to raise this issue on national and international forums till its justified solution.