ISLAMABAD – Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across theworld are observing Indian Republic Day as Black Day today, in protestagainst India’s continued denial of their right to self-determination.
Call for observance of the Black Day has been given by All Parties HurriyatConference Chairman, Syed Ali Gilani, and other Hurriyat leaders andorganizations including Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-ledHurriyat forum.
The day is marked with a complete strike in occupied Kashmir and anti-Indiademonstrations and rallies in world capitals.
This year, the observance of the Black Day is also aimed at registeringprotest against the continued lockdown of occupied Kashmir imposed by Indiafor the past almost six months since August 5, last year.
Protest rallies and demonstrations will also be held in Pakistan and AzadKashmir today.
Meanwhile, stringent measures in the name of security have been taken onIndia’s Republic Day, today, bringing more miseries to the already besiegedpeople in occupied Kashmir.
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Indian troops have intensified checking and frisking in Srinagar city andother parts of the territory.
While the Kashmir Valley remains under strict military lockdown on 175thstraight day, today Indian troops and police personnel have been deployedin strength to keep a watch on the movement of people.
In Srinagar, all roads leading towards a cricket stadium, where the mainfunction of 26th January is scheduled to be held, have been sealed withbarbed wire and barricades have been erected around the stadium.