Kashmiris observe India's Republic Day as 'Black Day' all over globe

MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) — Kashmiris across Azad Kashmir and along the Line of Control mark India’s Republic Day on Monday as a “Black Day,” staging protests and rallies to draw global attention to their cause.

According to local organisers, demonstrations will be held in the capital and in small and large towns across the region. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference and other groups are set to lead marches and public gatherings.

Speakers at the events are expected to say the day is meant to send a clear message to the world that, in their view, India’s policies in occupied Jammu and Kashmir go against democratic values and basic rights.

Organisers also plan to highlight what they describe as decades of violence, loss of life, detentions and damage to property in the region. They say many families have been affected by the conflict over the years.

By taking to the streets, the groups aim to keep the spotlight on Kashmir and urge the international community to step in and press for the implementation of United Nations resolutions related to the dispute.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian authorities imposed a sweeping lockdown in the name of security across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir ahead of India’s Republic Day, marked by intensified searches, frisking, surveillance and the heavy deployment of armed forces, further disrupting normal life in the territory.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called for the observance of Black Day, which will be marked by a complete shutdown in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, along with anti-India demonstrations and rallies in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan and major world capitals.

A multi-layered security grid has been put in place across the occupied Valley, with large contingents of Indian police and central armed paramilitary forces deployed at sensitive locations, roads, markets and public spaces. Additional checkpoints have been erected, while residents and commuters are being subjected to repeated checking and frisking.

Kashmir Inspector General of Police V. K. Birdi said that elaborate security arrangements have been finalised around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the main Republic Day function is scheduled. He added that aerial surveillance through drones is also being carried out as part of the security plan.

“Sensitive areas in Kashmir have seen enhanced security, including road blockades, vehicle checks, security cordons, and search operations,” he said.

Indian forces’ personnel have intensified vehicle searches and identity checks, particularly in all the 20 districts of the territory, including Srinagar, Gurez, Uri, Karnah, Tangdhar, and other major towns. Movement on key roads, particularly near the Line of Control, is being closely monitored, causing traffic disruptions and inconvenience to civilians. Night raids and patrolling have also been stepped up in several areas as part of what authorities describe as preventive security measures.

“To further bolster security, advanced surveillance technologies, including drones and high-resolution CCTV cameras, have been deployed to monitor official event venues,” he said, adding that checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and other towns and district headquarters, particularly at key entry points.

Kashmiris observe such occasions under heavy restrictions, viewing them as reminders of prolonged repression and denial of political rights in the occupied territory.