Srinagar: A heavy deployment of Indian forces has been observed in Srinagar and other parts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as the region braces for a shutdown called by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. The shutdown marks India’s Republic Day on January 26 as Black Day, in protest against India’s ongoing denial of Kashmiris’ self-determination rights.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and around the world are set to observe the day as a reminder to the international community of India’s continued denial of their inalienable rights.

An APHC spokesman, Adv Abdul Rashid Minhas, asserted that India lacks the legitimacy to celebrate its Republic Day due to its military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. He also paid homage to the victims of the Gaw Kadal massacre in Srinagar, likening the tragedy to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre under British rule in India.

The Gaw Kadal massacre, which occurred on January 21, 1990, saw over 50 people killed and hundreds injured when Indian troops fired on peaceful protesters in Srinagar.

Currently, major roads and streets in Srinagar are heavily patrolled by the Indian Army, police, and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force personnel. Armored vehicles are conducting mobile patrols to closely monitor local activities, heightening tensions in the city.