Today, Friday, is India’s Republic Day, which is being observed as a Black Day by Kashmiris worldwide and on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in protest against New Delhi’s ongoing rejection of their right to self-determination.
As to Kashmir Media Service (KMS), the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and several Hurriyat organisations have issued a demand for the commemoration of Black Day.
Jailed APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt and incarcerated senior leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, both detained in India’s Tihar jail, reiterated the call for a Black Day in every corner of the territory.
The leaders of the APHC and its allied parties denounced India for its reign of terror, which included extensive persecution, regular searches and cordons, arbitrary detentions, and prohibitions on social and commercial endeavours.
They urged everyone to abstain from all Indian holidays, making it abundantly evident that Kashmiris oppose India’s illegitimate occupation and are committed to defending their right to self-determination.
On this Indian Republic Day, Indian army personnel have stepped up their checking, frisking, surveillance, and patrolling in unlawfully occupied Jammu and Kashmir under the pretext of security measures.
Kashmir Media Service said that because Indian soldiers are stationed in huge numbers near the locations of today’s events throughout the valley, restrictions have been tightened in Srinagar and other areas of the occupied region.
Police and paramilitary soldiers, according to officials, have been stationed in the city and various district offices. According to them, checkpoints have been set up throughout Srinagar, particularly at the city’s entrance and adjacent areas.
Indian military personnel are randomly frisking individuals and inspecting cars. Around the key venues, police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force members have taken over high-rise buildings with sharpshooters.
