- The day will be marked with a complete strike in IHK and
anti-India demonstrations and rallies in world capitals
SRINAGAR, January 25: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world will observe Indian Republic Day, today (Tuesday), as Black Day in protest against India’s continued denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Call for the observance of the Black Day has been given by the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference (G) Syed Ali Gilani, and the heads of APHC and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik. The day will be marked with a complete strike in occupied Kashmir and anti-India demonstrations and rallies in world capitals.
Strict measures have been taken in the name of so-called security across the territory, especially in Srinagar and Jammu on the eve of India’s Republic Day. Inspector General of Indian Police confirmed to media that a three-tier security set-up is in place to ensure smooth conduct of Republic Day’s functions. Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the territory. Hundreds of youth have been arrested in random crackdowns throughout the Valley. All roads leading to the Bakhshi Stadium, the main venue of official function in Srinagar, have been barricaded.
Meanwhile, anti-India protests were held in Handwara, Monday, on the 26th anniversary of a deadly massacre by Indian Border Security Force in the town. Special prayers were offered in mosques and shrines for the victims. Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League and Salvation Movement leaders during their visit offered fateha at the martyrs’ graveyard in Handwara.
Meanwhile, Hurriyet leader and the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir National Front (JKNF), Nayeem Ahmad Khan, terming the Republic Day celebration by India of in the disputed territory as a crude joke, said that by such childish acts New Delhi was trying to hide the fact that Kashmiri people had never taken any interest in such festivals of India and they wanted immediate end to the occupation.-KMS
