ISLAMABAD: The Jammu Kashmir National Front has called upon the Kashmiri populace to observe India’s Republic Day as a Black Day, saying the authoritarian nation, which has violated the fundamental rights of the people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), lacks any justification for celebrating Republic Day.
Haseeb Wani, the spokesperson for the Front, condemned India’s illegal and coercive occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “For several decades, Indian occupation forces have ruthlessly suppressed the fundamental political and democratic rights of the Kashmiri people,” as stated in a press release.
Despite assurances of conducting a free and impartial plebiscite to allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their political fate, Wani accused Indian rulers of resorting to violent means to forcefully quell the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He emphasized the international community’s duty to take serious notice of India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir, identifying it as a major cause and consequence of unrest in the region.
The spokesperson reiterated his party’s full support for the All Parties Hurriyat Conference’s call for a strike on January 26, urging the Kashmiri masses to participate in a complete strike on that day to convey to the world that India’s illegal occupation is unacceptable to them.
Reflecting on the tragic massacre of innocent civilians in Handwara by the Indian army, Wani highlighted the horrifying example of Indian state terrorism on January 25, 1990, where 21 unarmed protesters were killed by the Border Security Force of India. He called for an independent investigation into the incident to bring the perpetrators to justice, expressing regret that those involved in the heinous act were allowed to go unpunished.
