Kashmir shuts down to mark ‘black day’

All shops and business establishments were closed as Kashmiris observed a black day on India's Republic Day

NEW DELHI/ ISLAMABAD:

Indian Kashmir witnessed a complete shutdown on Tuesday to protest against India’s continuous denial of self-determination to the disputed Himalayan state.

All shops and business establishments were closed while traffic remained off the road, as Kashmiri people observed a ‘black day’. The annual strike aims to convey a message to the world that India has been denying Kashmiris their right to self-determination for almost seven decades now.



The Kashmir Media Service reported thousands of Indian soldiers and policemen were deployed in Srinagar and other major towns to prevent people from holding anti-India demonstrations. The authorities also suspended mobile and internet services. But black flags were seen hoisted on many houses in Srinagar, Baramulla and other areas of the occupied territory. In New Delhi, thousands gathered amid tight security for the annual Republic Day parade, a pomp-filled spectacle of military might featuring camels and daredevil stunt riders. French President Francois Hollande was the chief guest for this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2016.