Muzaffarabad, Multiple cities across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including Muzaffarabad, observed India’s Republic Day as a ‘Black Day’ with a series of protest demonstrations and rallies against India’s policies in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the largest of these protests in Muzaffarabad was organized by Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, led by Chairman Uzair Ahmed Ghazali along with leaders from various political and activist groups. The demonstrators, carrying black flags and banners, voiced their opposition to India’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir, condemning what they termed as fake democracy and human rights violations.
Speakers at the protests, including Ghazali and other Hurriyat leaders, accused India of perpetrating terrorism under the guise of democracy in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. They criticized India for implementing strict laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Public Safety Act (PSA), which they claim have made the lives of Kashmiris miserable.
A student-led demonstration by Tehreek-e-Shabab-ul-Muslimeen’s student wing also took place in Muzaffarabad. Vice Chairman Munir Ahmad Konshi led the youth in anti-India chants, with speakers highlighting the suppression of fundamental rights in occupied Kashmir and questioning India’s legitimacy in celebrating Republic Day in the disputed territory.
A significant rally followed the demonstration, moving from Afzal Guru Chowk to Burhan Wani Chowk, where participants continued to express their dissent against India and support for Kashmir’s freedom.
Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Young Men’s League organized a protest at the Manak Paiyan refugee camp in Muzaffarabad, where demonstrators echoed similar anti-India sentiments.
In the city of Kotli, the Jammu and Kashmir Pir Panjal Freedom Movement held a rally attended by refugees from occupied Jammu and Kashmir and locals. The rally, led by Vice Chairman Qazi Imran and other leaders, accused India of being a terrorist state and occupying Kashmir for over 76 years. They called on the United Nations to intervene and pressure India to resolve the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
These demonstrations across AJK reflect the ongoing discontent and opposition to Indian policies in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the complex and longstanding dispute in the region.