Kashmiris Mark India’s Republic Day as Black Day Amid Increasing Militarization in IIOJK: APHC

Rising tensions in IIOJK as Indian forces intensify operations ahead of India’s Republic Day, with calls for global solidarity.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has raised grave concerns over the escalating military actions by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) ahead of India’s Republic Day, January 26. The APHC highlights an intensification of cordon-and-search operations, house raids, and frisking of civilians, which have caused immense hardship for the people of the region.

In a statement issued from Srinagar, APHC spokesperson Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas stressed that the unresolved Kashmir conflict remains a significant threat to peace in South Asia. He underscored that the entire region, particularly IIOJK, has been transformed into a heavily militarized zone. Indian security forces have been carrying out large-scale searches and raids, leading to widespread inconvenience and distress among the local population.

The APHC has declared its intention to observe January 26 as “Black Day,” urging Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world to protest against India’s ongoing denial of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The group emphasized that the heavy military presence in IIOJK contradicts India’s claims of peace and democracy.

Despite the Indian government’s assertions of normalcy in the region, the situation on the ground remains far from peaceful. The APHC highlighted that daily life in the valley is severely impacted by Indian forces’ widespread searches, including frisking pedestrians, inspecting vehicles, and raiding homes. Personal belongings like mobile phones and bags are thoroughly checked, further adding to the daily struggles of the people.

The APHC reaffirmed its stance that it will not compromise on the Kashmiri people’s fundamental right to self-determination. The group appealed to the international community to engage all stakeholders in a dialogue aimed at resolving the Kashmir dispute peacefully and justly.

Additionally, the APHC accused India of perpetuating corruption and nepotism in Jammu and Kashmir. Since 1947, the group claims that India has been encouraging these issues in the region, with the situation worsening since 2019. The BJP-led government, through its appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has been criticized for failing to address these problems. The APHC contends that the lack of accountability and the increasing corruption under Sinha’s administration are indicative of India’s deeper colonial intentions in Kashmir.

As tensions rise in the region, Kashmiris and supporters worldwide are expected to observe January 26 as a day of protest, highlighting their ongoing struggle for justice and the right to determine their own future. With the situation in IIOJK deteriorating, the APHC continues to call for international attention and action to address the plight of the Kashmiri people.

The call for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue remains at the heart of the APHC’s message, as they urge the global community to play an active role in ensuring that Kashmiris’ voices are heard and their rights are respected.