Srinagar: As India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26, the day is marked as a Black Day by Kashmiris worldwide, most notably in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The observance serves as a protest against India’s imposition of its Constitution on Kashmir, a move seen as a violation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the origins of this conflict trace back to pre-Partition India when the Indian National Congress, in collaboration with British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten, allegedly planned the annexation of Jammu and Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region. This historical backdrop set the stage for the ongoing tensions and India’s continued presence in the region.

India’s extension of its Constitution to Kashmir in 1950, bypassing the UNSC’s mandate for a plebiscite, marked the beginning of what Kashmiris claim is an occupation. The Indian government has been accused of enacting repressive laws and deploying military forces to suppress autonomy movements within the region.

The situation has been further exacerbated by the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, is viewed as a severe blow to the region’s autonomy and a catalyst for demographic changes.

Throughout decades of conflict, Kashmiris have engaged in both political and non-political resistance, facing severe reprisals. Reports indicate a death toll surpassing 100,000 and widespread human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Despite the challenges, the Kashmiri people’s resolve for self-determination remains steadfast. Calls for political freedom, the lifting of oppressive laws, and international intervention continue to echo across the region.

As India observes its Republic Day, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, with heavy military presence and stringent restrictions. The international community faces mounting pressure to address the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in the region.

The post Kashmir’s Black Day: Protests Mark India’s Republic Day Observance appeared first on pakistannewsgazette.com.