Kashmiris observe Black Day today

Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world are observing Indian Republic Day, today, as Black Day to remind the international community that India’s continued denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination was contrary to its claim of being a democratic republic.Call for the observance of the Day has been given by the All Parties Hurriyet Conference, veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, the High Court Bar Association and other pro-liberation leaders and organisations.On the other hand, the authorities have sounded a high alert across the Kashmir Valley in the run-up to the Indian Republic Day. The deployment of Indian police and CRPF troopers has been strengthened around the Bakhshi Staium, the main venue of official function, and other vital installations across the Valley.Markets are shut and roads deserted except for gun totting paramilitary troops and SOG personnel who have been deployed at various crossings to ensure people stay indoors.The authorities have deployed three-tier security cover around Bakhshi Stadium, the venue for the main function. The Srinagar city, mostly Lal Chowk and Bakhshi Stadium, has been virtually turned into an armed camp with Indian armed forces sealing off all the entry points with barricades and armoured vehicles.Meanwhile, mobile phone and Internet networks are jammed across the Kashmir Valley today. The move comes to avoid the use of mobile telephones by people to trigger anti-India demonstrations.