Kashmiris living on both sides of Line of Control and rest of the world are observing Indian Republic Day as Black Day today to draw world attention towards the continued Indian occupation in Indain held Kashmir. This year, Kashmiris are observing the black day at the time when Modi government scrapped special status of the internationally-acknowledged disputed territory. It has also usurped the fundamental rights of the citizens through massive deployment of its military and prolonged curfew and communication blackout. Protest rallies and demonstrations will be held world over including Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

Meanwhile, India’s Republic Day has brought more miseries to the already besieged people as Indian troops have intensified checking and frisking in Srinagar city and other parts of the occupied Kashmir in the name of so-called security measures.

The day will be marked with a complete strike and protests in occupied Kashmir and anti-India demonstrations and rallies in world capitals. This year, the observance of the Black Day is also aimed at registering protest against the continued lockdown of occupied Kashmir imposed by India since 5th August last year.

The Hurriyat leaders in their statements and messages said that India is not a real democratic country as it has been suppressing the Kashmiris’ voice through military might for the past over seven decades. They said India has no right to celebrate its Republic Day in Kashmir as it occupied the territory against the will of the Kashmiri people.

Meanwhile, as the Kashmir Valley remained under strict military lockdown on 174th straight day, today.

The occupation authorities have taken strict measures in the name of so-called security across the territory, especially in Srinagar. Heavy contingents of Indian police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in Srinagar and other towns to prevent anti-India demonstrations on the day.

The Jammu and Kashmir Young Men's League and Jammu and Kashmir Students Organization held protests in Srinagar against the continued lockdown imposed by India in the occupied territory.

(NNR/Mubashar/Abdul Rehman)