Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over observed the Indian Independence Day, today (Wednesday), as Black Day to convey the message to the international community that India continues to deny them their inalienable right to self-determination.
The day was marked by complete shutdown, call for which had been given by the Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik. Black flags were hoisted in houses, private buildings all across the territory.
All government offices, business establishments including banks were closed, while roads wore a deserted look due to the strike.
The authorities imposed undeclared curfew and other restrictions in Srinagar, while troops and police personnel were deployed in strength in all major cities and towns of the occupied territory to prevent anti-India protests.
The roads leading to Sonawar Cricket Stadium, the main venue of the official function in Srinagar, were blocked with concertina wires. Closed circuit TV cameras were used to monitor the movement of people while mobile phone and Internet services were suspended.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Syed Ali Gilani and other Hurriyat leaders in their statements said that India had no right to celebrate its Independence Day in Kashmir as it was illegally occupying the territory. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a statement denounced the harassment of the family of Hurriyat leader Shahid-ul-Islam by the Indian agencies.
Meanwhile, Indian police arrested Muhammad Yasin Malik from his residence in Srinagar, today. Other Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Ghulam Nabi Sumjhi, Ghulam Ahmed Gulzar, Bilal Siddiqi, Hakeem Abdul Rasheed, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Mukhtar Ahmed Waza, Hilal Ahmed War, Javaid Ahmed Mir, Zafar Akbar Butt and Ghulam Nabi Waseem were placed under house arrest or in custody.
