MIRPUR: As in previous years, this year too, people from Jammu and Kashmir living on both sides of the Line of Control, along with others worldwide, are set to mark India’s Independence Day on August 15th as a Black Day to denounce its occupation.
For Kashmiris, August 15th, India’s Independence Day, is observed as a black day to express their enduring resentment against India. This observance also serves as a strong protest against the controversial action taken by Delhi on August 5, 2019, when it revoked the special status of the internationally recognized Jammu and Kashmir state.
Observing India’s national days as Black Day aimed at condemning India for denying Kashmiris their fundamental right to self-determination and to inform the global community about India’s ongoing oppressive rule through state-sponsored terrorism. The occupied Jammu and Kashmir state has been effectively under siege due to the presence of over two million Indian military and paramilitary troops.
India’s Independence Day as Black Day
Over the past 76 years, India has been responsible for severe human rights abuses and unprecedented state-sponsored terrorism against the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who have been struggling for their homeland’s liberation from Indian control.
The observance of India’s Independence Day as a Black Day is also intended to express outrage against Indian imperialism, as India has unlawfully occupied a significant portion of the region for the past seven decades.
Anti-India rallies and protest demonstrations are planned in cities and towns on both sides of the Line of Control. Participants will wear black bands as a symbol of their aversion towards India. Black flags will also be raised on private buildings to signify this protest.
In Azad Jammu & Kashmir, anti-India rallies will be held in cities, including the capital city of Muzaffarabad and district headquarters. These events will encompass people from all walks of life who wish to manifest their strong opposition to Indian imperialism.
Participants of the rallies will march through city streets, displaying black banners and placards to vocalize their opposition against India. They will condemn India for turning IIOJK into a massive prison, characterized by rampant human rights abuses and brutalities, since August 5, 2019. This date marked a significant turning point when the Indian government revoked the special status of Jammu & Kashmir.
In Mirpur, District Commissioner Ch. Amjad Iqbal stated that a major protest rally is scheduled to start from the District Courts premises at 10:30 a.m. on August 15th. The rally is organized by the National Events Organizing Committee of Mirpur District, which includes representatives from various segments of civil society.
