Black Day observed across Jammu and Kashmir on India’s Republic Day

Muzaffarabad: On the occasion of India’s so-called Republic Day, Black Day was observed across the State of Jammu and Kashmir to protest what participants termed Indian occupation and repression. On the call of Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, hundreds of citizens took to the streets in the capital, Muzaffarabad, raising strong slogans against India.

According to details, a protest demonstration and rally were held at Burhan Wani Shaheed Chowk, where participants carried black flags and wore black armbands to mark Black Day. The protesters also held national and state flags and chanted slogans including Indian democracy down with, fake democracy unacceptable, and we want freedom.

The rally was led by Chairman Pasban-e-Hurriyat Uzair Ahmed Ghazali, Spokesperson to the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Shaukat Javed Mir, along with other political and religious leaders. Addressing the gathering, Uzair Ahmed Ghazali said India claims to be a democratic country while depriving the Kashmiri people of their basic human, democratic, and religious rights, calling it the biggest lie in the world. He added that millions of troops have been deployed in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, subjecting civilians to severe state oppression.

Shaukat Javed Mir said that India has become a symbol of terrorism rather than democracy, and that the Kashmiri people will continue their struggle until freedom is achieved. Other speakers also condemned Indian actions and urged the international community to play its role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

The protest rally concluded after passing through the main thoroughfares of the city.