Srinagar, August 05, 2021 (PPI-OT):Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, in Pakistan and all over the world are observing Black Day today, the 5th August, to convey a message to India and the international community that they reject New Delhi’s illegal actions taken on this day in 2019. Narendra Modi-led fascist Indian government in gross violation of the UN resolutions and international law revoked the special status of IIOJK and put the territory under military siege.
The Black Day is marked by a complete shutdown and civil curfew by the people in IIOJK where all shops and business establishments are closed while traffic is off the road. The occupation authorities have deployed thousands of Indian troops and police personnel across the occupied territory to prevent people from conducting a march towards the Lal Chowk in Srinagar that is aimed at registering protest against Modi regime’s illegal actions of August 05, 2019.
People have displayed black flags in different areas to express their resentment against India’s illegal occupation of their homeland. Protest rallies, seminars and other events are being organised in Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and different parts of the world to draw attention of the international community towards the widespread killings, custodial disappearances, arbitrary detentions, molestation of women and vandalizing of residential houses by Indian forces in the occupied territory and highlight the Kashmir dispute.
Call for the observance of the Black Day, shutdown and the march has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference as part of the commencement of Ashra-e-Muzahamat, 10-Day Resistance, calendar. The APHC has also called for a complete blackout in IIOJK between 8:00pm to 8:30pm, today.
More Indian troops along with the flying squad have been deployed at Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Regal Chowk, TRC Ground, Polo View and the areas around the city centre to prevent the march towards the Lal Chowk.
Random checking of vehicles and frisking of people is being done. Barricades have been erected on many arterial roads, including the entry and exit points to Srinagar. Patrolling has been intensified at district headquarters and close vigil is being maintained on the movement of people.
On the other hand, Indian troops and police in Srinagar summoned traders and shopkeepers and directed them to keep their business establishments open and not observe a shutdown. Representatives of several markets and traders in Srinagar told media that they were called to police offices and directed to keep shops and markets open.
“SSP (Srinagar) told us that whether you come or not, shops should remain open on August 5,” said Bashir Ahmad, General Secretary of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation and also President of Maulana Azad Road Traders Association.
It is to mention here that during the Ashra-e-Muzahamat calendar issued by the APHC, black flags will be displayed while special prayers will be offered in the evening on each day of the Ashra-e-Muzahamat. The Kashmiris will pay tribute to Shaheed-e-Azeemat Shaikh Abdul Aziz and other martyrs on their martyrdom anniversary on August 11.
On August 14, the Pakistan’s Independence Day, special prayer meetings will be held for the peace and prosperity in Pakistan. India’s Independence Day on August 15 will be observed as Black Day. Black flags will be hoisted while protest rallies be organised against the widespread killings, custodial disappearances, arbitrary detentions, molestation of women and vandalizing of residential houses by Indian forces in the occupied territory.
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