India’s Independence Day marred by restrictions in IIOJK
Srinagar: As India celebrates its Independence Day, the irony is stark in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where New Delhi continues to impose severe restrictions on the local population, denying them the very freedom to observe the day as Black Day in protest against its illegal occupation of their homeland.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian troops, paramilitary, and police personnel have been deployed in strength in every nook and corner of the territory, subjecting the people to immense discomfort. A multi-layer security blanket involving helicopter reconnaissance and drone surveillance has also been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of India’s Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir.
Indian army and paramilitary forces are carrying out area domination exercises around the city center Lal Chowk and Bakshi stadium, the venue of the main Independence Day function in the valley. The troops frisk vehicles and passersby.
Kashmiri leaders and organizations including All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Maulana Musab Nadvi Fayaz Hussain Jafri and Sibte Shabbir Qummi slammed India’s hypocrisy, saying, “India is celebrating its freedom while denying the same to Kashmiris. Isn’t it a matter of shame for New Delhi?” They pointed out that Indian armed forces have mercilessly killed over 500,000 Kashmiris in the last 78 years, yet they shamelessly observe Independence Day in the territory.
Posters have also appeared in different areas of the territory, declaring, “India invaded Jammu and occupied Kashmir forcibly against the will of Kashmiri people.”
The posters also read, “India’s freedom is based on our slavery. We will not celebrate India’s Independence Day.” Kashmiris have long demanded the right to self-determination, as promised by the United Nations, but India continues to disregard their pleas, imposing its rule through military might.
