SRINAGAR: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world are observing India’s Independence Day as Black Day in a protest against usurping of their right to self -determination.
The aim of observing Black Day is to convey a message to international community that India has usurped Kashmiris’ inalienable right to self-determination by the dint of force, reported Radio Pakistan.
The day will be marked by a complete strike in occupied Kashmir, call for which has been jointly given by the resistance leadership, comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik.
Meanwhile, protest rallies and demonstrations will be held throughout Azad Jammu and Kashmir to mark India’s Independence Day as Black Day.
Black flags will be hoisted on buildings throughout the state. In Muzaffarabad, a big protest demonstration will be held at Central Press club.
AJK Prime Minster Raja Farooq Haider Khan, leaders and representatives of various political, social and religious organizations will speech on the occasion.
Indian authorities had imposed restrictions on public gatherings in parts of Srinagar on Pakistan’s Independence Day.
The curbs have been imposed in Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, M.R. Gunj, and Safakadal areas of the city.
Albeit, the officials stated that these restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order situation after killings of two civilians but many political analysts view restrictions as an attempt to prevent Kashmiris holding pro-Pakistan demonstrations on its 70th Independence Day.
All educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities have been closed in the valley.
Section 144 of the CrPC – prohibits an assembly of more than four people in an area – has been imposed. Officials said the precautionary steps were taken to avoid law-and-order incidents in the aftermath of Sunday’s violence.
On Sunday, two youngsters — Owais Shafi and Mohammad Sayeed Bhat — were killed in security forces’ action against stone-pelting mobs in Pulwama and Shopian districts respectively.
22-year-old Shafi sustained multiple pellet injuries who succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Another youth 25-year-old Bhat was killed in a separate incident of firing by security forces.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is celebrating its 70th Independence Day on Monday with patriotic fervour with commemorative ceremonies across the country.
