SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world will observe India’s Republic Day today as Black Day to urge the international community to take notice of New Delhi’s continued denial of the UN-mandated right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the call for observing the Black Day has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
India has no right to celebrate Republic Day in IIOJK
The day will be marked by a complete strike in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, along with anti-India demonstrations and rallies in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and world capitals, to convey a strong message to the international community that Kashmiris regard India as a usurper of their fundamental rights and believe it has no right to celebrate the day in the territory.
Every year, January 26 brings renewed hardships for the oppressed Kashmiris, with Indian troops intensifying checking and frisking across the territory. This year as well, all roads leading to venues in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region, where the main official Republic Day functions are scheduled, have been sealed with barbed wire, while drones are being used to restrict people’s movement.
Indian paramilitary and police personnel, accompanied by sniffer dogs, are carrying out surprise vehicle checks and frisking of locals at entry and exit points in Srinagar and other cities and towns of the occupied territory.
Meanwhile, through statements, messages, and posters in Srinagar and other areas of the Valley, people have called for a boycott of all Indian official celebrations.
Posters have been appearing in different parts of the territory over the past week.
