SRINAGAR – In occupied Kashmir, miseries of the people have increasedmanifold as the Indian troops and police personnel have geared up surprisefrisking and checking across the Occupied Valley ahead of India’s RepublicDay on Friday.

Strict security arrangements have been put in place in and around theCricket Stadium at Sonawar, the main venue of this year’s Republic Daycelebrations in the Valley.

The personnel of Indian army, police and Central Reserve Police Force havelaid a siege around the stadium to restrict people’s movement.

Meanwhile, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across theworld will observe Indian Republic Day on Friday, as Black Day in protestagainst India’s continued denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Call for the observance of the day has been given by the Joint ResistanceLeadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and MuhammadYasin Malik.

In their statements, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz-ledHurriyat forum and other pro-freedom leaders and organizations condemnedthe ongoing frisking and arrest spree in Kashmir.

On the other hand, puppet Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in a written replyto a question in the so-called Kashmir Assembly acknowledged that curfewand restrictions were imposed for 168 times in nine districts of the valleyduring the past two years.