Kashmiris across the world observe Black Day as India celebrates Aug 15

Complete lockdown is being observed in IIOJK

Kashmiris across the world are observing a ‘Black Day’ as India celebrates its 74th independence day on Saturday.

A complete lockdown was being observed on the occasion in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

A call for a complete strike has also been given by veteran Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Geelani, whereas Chairperson of Awami Action Committee Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led Hurriyat forum which was supported by almost all Hurriyat organisations.

Geelani, in a message, said that a nation that resorts to usurpation and deprives others of their freedom loses every right to celebrate its independence.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) spokesperson in a statement deplored that all basic human rights and civil liberties have been ruthlessly snatched and violated by India in IIOJK.

Last year, Pakistan observed August 15 as a Black Day and staged rallies and demonstrations to protest New Delhi’s illegal move to strip IIOJK of its special status.

Rallies were also organised in Lahore, Kohat, Chiniot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Rojhan, Bhimber, Sukkur, Vehari, Kashmore, Sahiwal, Shahkot, Kalabagh, Bhatta Sultanpur, Talumba, Chonia, and Shikarpur to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Members of civil society, political parties, religious and international human rights organisation, groups and monitoring cells urged India to desist from sabotaging peace and actual status of Kashmir.

According to the government’s decision, flags on all public buildings in Lahore, including the Punjab Governor House, Punjab Assembly, Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Town Hall, Lahore High Court, Lahore Museum and other government offices, were flown at half-mast.