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

Jammu and Kashmir residents, including those on both sides of the Line of Control (AJK, IIOJK), are actively preparing to observe Indian Republic Day on January 26 as a Black Day. As per official details revealed on Sunday, the aim is to draw international attention to the prolonged and unlawful Indian occupation of Jammu & Kashmir, denying them their internationally recognized right to self-determination for the past 76 years.

Kashmiris annually mark Indian Republic Day on January 26 as a Black Day, expressing strong indignation and protest against the prolonged Indian subjugation of occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
The observance serves to protest and highlight the ongoing brutalities, custodial killings of innocent Kashmiris, and massive human rights violations by Indian occupying forces in the region.

This year, enraged Kashmiris are observing Indian Republic Day as a Black Day, condemning the Modi-led Indian government's August 5, 2019, revocation of the internationally acknowledged disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, violating global norms and deploying millions of military and paramilitary troops in the region.

Besides the observance of the day also aims to apprise the world community of the continued hostile attitude of India denying Kashmiris their legitimate right to self-determination and deviating from all international norms escaping from the peaceful solution of the much delayed Kashmir issue.

In Azad Jammu & Kashmir, protest rallies and demonstrations against continual illegal, illicit and unlawful Indian occupation of a major part of Jammu & Kashmir, will be the hallmark of the black day in all ten districts of the liberated territory.

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These protest marches and rallies will be the hallmark of the scheduled black day. Major rally to observe the Indian Republic Day will be held in the AJK State metropolis on this occasion. AJK leaders of various political parties including those in the AJK Parliament will lead the rally to be held to mark the day.

The day will also mark complete solidarity with the freedom-loving people of Indian Illegally occupied Jammu Kashmir in their just and principled struggle for freedom and for the achievement of their legitimate right to self-determination.

Identical protest rallies are scheduled under various social, political, and public organizations, representing people from all walks of life, including lawyers, journalists, business members, laborers, students, women, and political workers.

The rallies aim to express deep-seated opposition to Indian imperialism, protesting the sustained denial of global norms and commitments on Kashmir. Furthermore, the gatherings will condemn India's ongoing deviation and denial of Kashmiris' birthright to self-determination for over 76 years.

In Mirpur, a massive protest rally and procession, involving diverse segments of civil society, will mark the observation of Indian Republic Day as a black day at Shaheed Chowk. City elites from various spheres will emphasize the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir problem and express strong opposition to India's unlawful occupation of Kashmir for over 76 years.