ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan and world are observing India’s Republic Day, as Black Day today (Friday) to protest persistent denial of their democratic right to self-determination by New Delhi.
All Parties Hurriyat Conference and other pro-freedom organizations have made the call for the observance of the Black Day.
As per media reports, there is a complete strike in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) while anti-India demonstrations are being held in Azad Kashmir and across the world.
Kashmiris Observing India’s Republic Day as Black Day
India has intensified crackdown in the valley with unprecedented lockdown and additional check-posts subjecting people of Kashmir to rigorous inspections in the name of security.
Jailed APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt and senior leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, both detained in Tihar jail, reiterated the call for a Black Day in every corner of the IIOJK.
ALSO READ: Kashmiris to Observe India’s Republic Day as Black Day Amid Complete Shutdown in IIOJK
APHC leaders and affiliated parties denounced India for a reign of terror, including widespread repression, frequent cordon and search operations, restrictions on businesses, social activities and random arrests. They called on the people to completely boycott all Indian celebrations, sending a sound and clear message that Kashmiris completely reject what Indian illegal occupation and are determined to secure their right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu Kashmir and Pakistan (APHC-AJK) chapter with the collaboration of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Cell also held a protest demonstration in front of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to mark India’s Republic Day as Black Day.
Besides the leaders of APHC-AJK, leaders and heads of various political parties of Azad Jammu and Kashmir also took part in the protest demonstration. APHC convenor Mahmood Ahmad Saghar led the protest. Former Prime Minister of AJK Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Abdul Rasheed Turrabi, Shaikh Abdulmatin, Ghulam Nabi batt, Syed Yousaf Nasim, Secretary General MC Mehrunnisa, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Samia Sajid, Mahtab Ashraf, Farooq Rehmani, Raja Khan Afsar Khan,Sardar Sajid Mehmood, Sardar Najib ul Ghafoor Khan, Bashir Usmani, Rafiq Dar and others spokes on the occasion.
They said democracy is the name of respect for public opinion but India has never respected the sentiments of the community. They added India has no right to celebrate its “Republic Day” in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and as it has occupied the territory against the will of the people of Kashmir.
