Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world will observe Indian Republic Day, tomorrow, 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 Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik. The day will be marked with a complete strike in occupied Kashmir and anti-India demonstrations and rallies in world capitals.
The occupation authorities have taken strict measures in the name of so-called security across the territory, especially in Srinagar on the eve of India’s Republic Day. Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces personnel have been deployed in Srinagar and other towns of Kashmir to prevent rallies and processions on the day. Random crackdowns are being carried out and commuters are subjected to vigorous screening. All roads leading to the Bakhshi Stadium, the main venue of official function in Srinagar, have been barricaded.
The JRL in a statement issued in Srinagar said India has no right to celebrate its Republic Day in Kashmir as it has occupied the territory against the will of the Kashmiri people. It said that for the past over 71 years the Kashmiris had been demanding their right to self-determination promised to them by the Indian leaders, however, till this day that commitment remained unfulfilled. It said lacs of armed personnel had been deployed and draconian laws invoked to ensure the people’s sentiments are suppressed.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressing a large gathering at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, today, urged the UNHCR and other global rights organizations to focus their attention on the grave misuse of state machinery by India against the people of the territory. Senior Hurriyat leader, Agha Syed Hasan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi in a statement said India’s tall claims about being the largest democracy in the world stand exposed in the territory.
Indian police today arrested the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Hurriyat leader, Hilal Ahmad War from their party offices in Srinagar and lodged them at different police stations.
Meanwhile, complete strike was observed in Handwara, today, to mark the 29th anniversary of a deadly massacre by Indian Border Security Force in the town. Dozens of innocent Kashmiris were killed when the BSF troops had opened indiscriminate fire on peaceful demonstrators in the town on this day in 1990. The strike call was given by the Joint Resistance Leadership and supported by local trade bodies. Fateha Khwani was held at Martyrs’ graveyard in Handwara. Indian police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength in the town to prevent people from holding anti-India protests on the occasion. Shutdown was also observed on the second consecutive day, today, in Baramulla district to mourn the recent killing of three youth in Binner area of the district.
On the other hand, an Indian policeman was, today, wounded in two grenade blasts in Islamabad town of south Kashmir.
