Kashmiris to observe Indian Republic Day as ‘Black Day’

Kashmiris will observe the Indian Republic Day on Sunday (January 26) as a ‘Black Day’, as they staged a complete strike in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to protest Indian rule.

Leaders in the region voiced strong opposition to India’s brutal and illegal governance in the region.

Read more: Kashmiris unite globally to demand self-determination rights today

The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, criticised Indian ‘democracy’. He stated that the Indian democracy is plagued by sectarianism and obscures the truth about its actions in Kashmir. The PM also highlighted the lack of religious freedom for minorities in India, stating that their places of worship were unsafe.

The Kashmir conflict began in 1947, following the partition of India and Pakistan. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a Muslim majority population, became a disputed territory. The Maharaja of the region initially chose to remain independent but later acceded to India, leading to the start of the decades-long conflict.

For over seventy years, Kashmiris have faced military presence and restrictions on their rights. Human rights groups report violations, including extrajudicial killings and torture.

Anwarul Haq stated that India has denied Kashmiris their rights and asserted that Kashmir cannot be part of India.

International attention has barely focused on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. While human rights organisation have called for investigations into the abuses, international pressure on India has been negligible.

The United Nations, however, has urged plebiscite for Kashmiris to decide their own future, which has been largely ignored by the Indian government.

In 2019, India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370 of the Indian constitution. The move intensified tensions in the region, with the occupying forces arguing that it is ‘necessary’ for ‘security’ and development, although no good excuse could be offered.

Read more: Improve services within 10 days or lose towers, AJK warns cellular companies

Kashmiris see the abrogating as an attempt to erase their identity and demographically change the region.

Kashmiris continue to observe January 26 as a day of protest. Their struggle for self-determination remains strong as their leaders reaffirm their commitment to the cause.