Kashmiris observe ‘India Republic Day’ as ‘Black Day’

Occupied valley marked by complete shutdown with Indian forces deployed in strength to prevent anti-India rallies

MIRPUR: Kashmiris on both the sides of Line of Control and across the globe, on Saturday, observed Indian Republic Day as black day to remind the world that India’s continued denial of right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people was contrary to its claim of being a democratic republic.

Call for the observing the black day was given by the Joint Resistance Leadership, comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik and supported by the Kashmir High Court Bar Association.

The day was marked by a complete strike in the occupied Kashmir. Indian troops and police personnel were deployed in strength in Srinagar and other towns to prevent people from staging anti-India demonstrations.

The authorities placed Hurriyat leaders including Geelani, Malik, Ashraf Sehrai and others under house arrest to prevent them from leading the demonstrations.

All roads leading to a cricket stadium in Sonawar area of Srinagar, the venue of the main official function were sealed. The authorities suspended mobile, internet and rail services in the occupied territory and stopped journalists from covering the function of Indian Republic Day in Srinagar.

Hurriyat Forum Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq launched a social media campaign highlighting the plight of Kashmiri detainees lodged in different jails.

"As India celebrates its day of becoming so-called Republic, its autocratic rule over Kashmir goes on! Thousands of Kashmiris continue to languish in its various jails under its black laws and new ones are added each day!” he said.

“A brief glimpse into the life of some of our prisoners of conscience, a reality check of the republic, as leadership launches the 'FreeKashmirPrisoners campaign'.”

On the other hand, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter held a protest demonstration in front of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, main function of the day was held in Muzaffarabad where Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan was the chief guest.

Cabinet members, members of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Hurriyat leaders and people belonging to all walks of life participated in the protest gathering.

In his speech, Raja Farooq Haider reiterated his resolve to extend political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiris in their struggle for the right to self-determination.

He said India wanted to suppress the political aspirations of the people of Kashmir but would never succeed in its nefarious designs and ill motives.

The premier maintained that Kashmiris would continue their struggle until they were granted their inherent right to self-determination in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Other speakers on the pooccasion, paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of Kashmir struggle and said that it was their sacrifice that kept the issue alive.

The speakers appealed to the UN, other human rights watchdogs and international community to take a serious notice of India’s human rights violations in the occupied valley and stop India from committing atrocities.

Later, the participants of the gathering, holding placards, marched towards Burhan Muzaffar Wani Chowk chanting anti-India slogans. Protest rallies and demonstrations were also held at the headquarters of districts and tehsils.

Kashmiris observe the Indian Republic Day as black day every year to protest and apprise the world of the continued Indian brutalities and massacre of innocent Kashmiris denying them of their legitimate right to self- determination by deviating all international norms for the peaceful resolution of the much delayed Kashmir issue.