SRINAGAR, Illegally Indian Occupied Kashmir: Kashmiris across the world are observing India’s Republic Day on January 26 as a “Black Day,” rejecting New Delhi’s claim over the disputed territory.
In Srinagar, in illegally Indian-occupied Kashmir, daily life has ground to a halt as Indian authorities imposed a sweeping security lockdown on Republic Day celebrations.
Residents said extensive troop deployments, road closures, and surveillance measures had paralysed movement across towns and villages in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference issued a call to observe January 26 as Black Day. The group said a complete shutdown was being observed in Illegally Indian Occupied Kashmir, while protest rallies and demonstrations were planned in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and major cities around the world.
The protests aim to convey that Kashmiris do not recognise India’s authority over the disputed region and reject the observance of Republic Day there, which many view as a symbol of political exclusion rather than national celebration.
Indian authorities have once again enforced heightened security measures across the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. Major roads leading to official venues have been sealed with barbed wire, while aerial surveillance using drones has been deployed. Paramilitary forces and police, assisted by sniffer dogs, are carrying out vehicle searches and identity checks at entry and exit points in Srinagar and other towns.
Indian forces have intensified searches and identity verification across all 20 districts, including urban centres and areas close to the Line of Control, resulting in traffic disruptions and repeated delays for civilians. Night-time patrols and raids have also been expanded, with authorities describing the measures as preventive.
Residents, however, say such clampdowns have become routine ahead of Indian national events, turning daily life into what they describe as an atmosphere of fear and constant surveillance. Markets have seen reduced activity, public transport has been disrupted, and access to public spaces remains restricted.
For many Kashmiris, Republic Day is marked not by festivity but by intensified military presence and curtailed freedoms. Locals say the recurring lockdowns underscore the deeply militarised nature of Illegally Indian Occupied Kashmir and reinforce long-standing grievances over political rights, representation and self-determination.
