APHC Calls for Protest to Observe Black Day on Indian Republic Day

IIOJK’s struggle for freedom intensifies on January 26, as the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) calls for a Black Day to protest India’s illegal occupation. This observance is not just a protest—it’s a powerful message to the world about IIOJK’s ongoing plight under Indian occupation.

On January 26, India’s Republic Day, the APHC has urged the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to observe a complete strike in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The protest will also see anti-India rallies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and cities worldwide. The goal is clear: to raise awareness about the Kashmiri people’s oppression and demand an end to India’s unlawful occupation.

APHC spokesman, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, condemned the historical atrocities committed by Indian forces, including the massacres in Spore, Gawa Kadal, Srinagar, Handwara, and Bijbehara. These brutal events are constant reminders of India’s violent rule. The APHC argues that India’s occupation of IIOJK tarnishes its claim of being a democratic and secular nation.

Minhas stated that Kashmiris will never accept India’s occupation and will continue their resistance. He called on Kashmiris to participate in the Black Day observance by holding a complete strike and flying black flags on their homes, shops, and electricity poles. This act, he emphasized, will show the world that January 26 is not a day of celebration, but one of mourning and protest for the people of IIOJK.

The APHC also denounced the arrests and harassment of political leaders and activists as forms of state terrorism. IIOJK, according to Minhas, is under a de facto martial law, with political freedoms severely restricted. The Indian authorities’ increased surveillance and security checks in the lead-up to India’s Republic Day have made life even more difficult for Kashmiris.

In the name of “security measures,” Indian troops, paramilitary forces, and police have escalated surprise frisking and checks across the IIOJK valley and along the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Drones and mobile vehicles are also being used to monitor residents, creating a climate of fear and oppression. The APHC claims these actions are an attempt to stifle dissent and prevent political activities in the region.

The APHC’s call for a Black Day is not just a local protest, but a plea for international attention. Demonstrations will take place in global capitals to demand that the world recognize the harsh realities of IIOJK’s situation. The APHC hopes these efforts will help expose India’s true nature, a democracy that suppresses the rights of the Kashmiri people.

As the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to fight for their self-determination, the strike on January 26 is just one of many steps in their ongoing struggle. For the APHC, Black Day symbolizes a resolute stand against India’s occupation and a call for justice. The movement continues to grow, fueled by the belief that Kashmir will one day achieve the freedom it deserves.