Kashmiris observe India’s Republic Day as Black Day amid shutdown in Held Valley

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world are observing India’s Republic Day, today, as a Black Day amid complete strike in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in protest against India’s persistent denial of their right to self-determination.

According to Kashmir Media Service, call for the observance of the Black Day has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other Hurriyat organizations.

In occupied Kashmir, a complete strike is being observed, while anti-India demonstrations and rallies have been planned in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and various world capitals.

Jailed APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt and incarcerated senior leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, both detained in India’s Tihar jail, reiterated the call for a Black Day in every corner of the territory.

APHC leaders and affiliated parties condemned India for a reign of terror, including widespread repression, frequent cordon and search operations, random arrests, and restrictions on businesses and social activities.

They called upon the people to boycott all Indian celebrations, sending a clear message that Kashmiris reject Indian illegal occupation and are determined to secure their right to self-determination.

Meanwhile, stringent measures in the name of security have been taken on the India’s Republic Day, bringing more miseries to the already besieged people in occupied Kashmir. Indian troops have intensified checking and frisking in Srinagar city and other parts of the territory.

The forces’ personnel have set up check points on every road and chowk where commuters and pedestrians are frisked and vehicles are checked thoroughly.

APHC leaders, including Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Dr Musaib, Fayaz Hussain Jafari, Syed Sibte Shabbir Qummi and Muhammad Aqib in their statements conveyed a massage to the world that India is not a true democratic country as it has usurped the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people for the past over seven decades.

They said that Modi regime had put the entire Jammu and Kashmir under military siege to celebrate its Republic Day in the occupied territory.