Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world are observing Indian Republic Day, today (Tuesday), as Black Day to remind the world that India’s continued denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination is contrary to its claim of being a democratic republic.
Call for the observance of the Black Day has been given by the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference (G), Syed Ali Gilani, the APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chief, Muhammad Yasin Malik, the General Secretary of APHC (G), Shabbir Ahmed Shah, and other pro-liberation leaders and organisations.
The day is being marked with a complete strike in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
The occupation authorities have deployed Indian troops and police personnel in strength in all major towns of the occupied territory to prevent people from staging anti-India demonstrations.
Since 1989, freedom fighters have been battling for Kashmir’s independence or its merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed rebellion and subsequent Indian crackdown.
Though incidents of violence have largely been suppressed by Indian forces, public opposition to Indian rule remains widespread in the mostly Muslim territory and is now mainly expressed through street protests.
