ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan and world over are marking Indian Independence Day as black day to give voice to protest against increasing atrocities unleashed by Indian barbaric forces in occupied region and to shake world opinion.
There is a complete shutdown in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, call for which has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and supported by all Hurriyat leaders and organizations.
Black flags have been hoisted everywhere while protest rallies will be organised against the gross human rights violations by Indian troops in the territory.
The Kashmiris across the world will also hold anti-India demonstrations to draw world’s attention towards the Indian brutalities in the occupied territory.
The annual observance is a stark reminder of their enduring resentment against India’s actions, particularly the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019.
Kashmiris view this day as an opportunity to denounce India’s persistent denial of their right to self-determination and to highlight India’s relentless state terrorism, backed by its massive military presence.
The region has witnessed severe atrocities, with a history of over seven decades of struggle for liberation from Indian rule.
Anti-India rallies and protest demonstrations will dominate the scene on both sides of the LoC. Participants, wearing black armbands, will march through city streets carrying black banners and placards expressing their resentment against India. Black flags will be raised on private buildings as a symbol of defiance.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, protest rallies and processions will be held in various cities, including the capital, Muzaffarabad, to voice strong opposition to Indian imperialism.
The black day signifies the world’s largest prison, referring to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since August 5, 2019.
In Mirpur, a significant protest rally will commence from the District Courts premises, organized by the National Events Organizing Committee Mirpur district. This widespread movement across the region seeks to reiterate the displeasure against the Indian government’s actions.
Despite ongoing challenges, Kashmir’s determination to voice its discontent and fight for its rights remains undeterred. The Black Day observance underscores the deep-seated sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah addressing an event in Srinagar said, the Bharatiya Janata Party is facing unprecedented public resentment across Jammu and Kashmir owing to its anti-poor, anti-middle class policies and tax terrorism imposed on the Kashmiris.
Meanwhile, the occupation authorities have converted the Kashmir Valley, particularly Srinagar, into a military garrison.
A multi-layer security arrangement with both ground and aerial surveillance has been thrown across the territory. The Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar, the venue of the official function, has been fortified with the deployment of paramilitary troops, new bunkers and barricades.
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