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India deployed its troops in the State of Junagadh on November 9, 1947, and forcibly took control of the Muslim-ruled state, in what a report describes as a blatant violation of international law.
India deployed its troops in the State of Junagadh on November 9, 1947, and forcibly took control of the Muslim-ruled state, in what a report describes as a blatant violation of international law. The day is observed as a Black Day for Junagadh. A report issued by the Kashmir Media Service on the anniversary of the event stated that India had occupied Junagadh through open aggression and that its control over the state remained in place even after 79 years. According to the report, India's takeover of Junagadh in 1947 was an act of aggression that violated the state's legal accession to Pakistan. It added that the people of Junagadh had still not been able to exercise their right to decide their political future. The report said Pakistan had a legitimate claim to Junagadh because an authenticated document of accession existed.
The then ruler of Junagadh, Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, signed the Instrument of Accession to Pakistan on September 15, 1947, in accordance with the principles underlying the creation of Pakistan. The report stated that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned Junagadh becoming part of Pakistan. It further said that the people of Junagadh alone had the right to decide the state's political future. According to the report, India continued to maintain what it described as illegal control over both Jammu and Kashmir and Junagadh, while Pakistan remained committed to supporting their demands for freedom from Indian control.
The report described Jammu and Kashmir and Junagadh as two international disputes that needed to be resolved. It called on the international community, including the United Nations, to play an effective role in addressing the status of the two territories. According to the report, the people of Junagadh had a full right to determine their political future, while India continued to hold Kashmir and Junagadh despite what the report said were the fundamental principles of the 1947 Partition. Pakistan, it added, remained committed to seeking a peaceful resolution to the disputes over Kashmir and Junagadh in accordance with the wishes of their people. The report urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take note of the disputed status of Kashmir and Junagadh and help protect and uphold the rights of their people.
