Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and world over observed India’s Independence Day, today, as Black Day to convey a message to the international community that New Delhi’s has no right to celebrate the day in the illegally occupied territory.

The day was marked by a complete shutdown across occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while people hoisted black flags. The Kashmir valley wore a deserted look due to the strike.

Meanwhile, the occupation authorities converted the entire Kashmir Valley into a military garrison as checkpoints and barricades were erected at all main points and squares.

A multi-layer security blanket involving helicopter reconnaissance and drone surveillance was in place to prevent people from holding anti-India demonstrations.

The personnel of elite Special Operational Group of Indian police along with Indian Army and paramilitary forces carried out area domination exercises around the Lal Chowk and Bakhshi stadium in Srinagar, the venue of the main Independence Day function.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders including Devinder Singh Behl, Muhammad Yasin Attai, Khadim Hussain, Syed Sibte Shabbir Qummi in their statements in Srinagar asked how India had snatched the freedom of Kashmiri Muslims at gunpoint in 1948 and it has no right to celebrate day in IIJOK.

Protest rallies were held in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan and world major capitals to draw global attention towards the Indian brutalities in occupied Kashmir.  The protesters, holding black flags, were chanting “Go India Go back”, “We Want Freedom”, “Wake up UN wake up” and “Kashmir seeks attention” slogans.

In Brussels, a protest demonstration was held in front of the Indian Embassy to mark India’s Independence Day as Black Day.

A large number of Kashmiris and their sympathizers attended the demonstration organized by the Kashmir Council Europe.

The participants were holding placards and banners with slogans in favor of the oppressed Kashmiris and against the Indian brutalities in occupied Kashmir.