Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world are set to observe India’s Republic Day, today, as a Black Day, in protest against India’s persistent denial of their right to self-determination.
Call for the observance of the Black Day was issued by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other Hurriyat organizations. In occupied Kashmir, the day will witness a complete strike, while anti-India demonstrations and rallies are planned in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and various world capitals.
Jailed APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt and incarcerated senior leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, both detained in Tihar jail, reiterated the call for a Black Day in every corner of the territory.
APHC leaders and affiliated parties condemned India for a reign of terror, including widespread repression, frequent cordon and search operations, random arrests, and restrictions on businesses and social activities. They called on the people to boycott all Indian celebrations, sending a clear message that Kashmiris reject what Indian illegal occupation and are determined to secure their right to self-determination.
APHC leader Farida Bahenji in a statement in Srinagar expressed concern over escalating oppression in the territory. She appealed to the global community to intervene against India’s atrocities and find a resolution to the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen criticized India’s celebration of Independence Day, asserting that the beauty of such celebrations is marred when certain countries, like India, deny freedom to their people. The spokesperson pointedly mentioned India’s continued military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947, highlighting the existence of United Nations resolutions that call for an end to the oppressive control and recognition of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, APHC-AJK Convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, along with other leaders including Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Shaikh Abdul Mateen, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Rafiq Ahmed Dar, Imtiyaz Ahmed Wani, Syed Gulshan Ahmed, Zahid Ashraf, Khalid Shabbir, Imtiaz Ahmad Butt, Abdul Rasheed Butt and Qazi Imran asserted that the presence of Indian forces in occupied Jammu and Kashmir is illegal, illegitimate, and unconstitutional, violating international law. They emphasized that the destiny of Kashmiris is freedom from India and India’s presence in the region poses a threat to peace.
The statements collectively underscored the Kashmiri stance that the destiny of the region lies in their struggle for self-determination and the international community’s recognition of their rights.
APHC-AJK leader Sheikh Yaqoob in a statement called for an immediate end to the Kashmiris’ genocide and insisted on the implementation of the UN resolutions for a plebiscite as the only valid basis for the final settlement.—KMS
