Srinagar: Leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have called on the Kashmiri populace to observe January 26, India’s Republic Day, as a “Black Day.” This call is in protest of what they describe as India’s unlawful occupation and ongoing suppression of their rights.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, prominent APHC figures such as Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Muhammad Saleem Zargar, and others, alongside organizations like the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, have condemned India’s actions in the territory. They accuse India of misrepresenting itself as the world’s largest democracy while denying the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination for over seven decades.

The APHC leaders argue that India’s celebration of its Republic Day in the disputed region lacks moral and legal justification. They emphasize that IIOJK’s status as a disputed territory, as recognized by the United Nations, remains unresolved.

The leaders further highlighted that January 26 exacerbates difficulties for IIOJK residents. They claim that security measures imposed by Indian authorities result in severe restrictions and a heavy military presence, fostering a climate of fear and insecurity.

APHC representatives have urged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to address the escalating situation in IIOJK and pressure India to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

Additionally, APHC-AJK chapter leaders have echoed the call for observing January 26 as a “Black Day.” They condemned the harassment of Kashmiris under increased security measures and called for resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.