Kashmiris observe annual ‘Black Day’ against Indian rule

People in Indian-administered Kashmir have observed the annual ‘Black Day’ by organizing rallies against New Delhi’s rule over the disputed Himalayan Valley.

On Sunday, thousands launched protests and a general shutdown marking the India’s Republic Day as a Black Day.

Several separatist groups who oppose New Delhi rule over the Muslim-majority region had called for the strike and anti-India demonstrations.

This comes as India is celebrating its 65th Republic Day under heavy security. New Delhi honors the memory of the time when the Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950.

The Republic Day Parade takes place in capital New Delhi, where senior officials view the parade. Thousands of police personnel, paramilitary forces and elite National Security Guards have been deployed in New Delhi for the event.

The Indian government has also deployed thousands of extra troops in a bid to contain violent demonstrations in Kashmir.

Kashmir is one of the world’s most militarized areas as roughly half a million Indian forces are stationed across the valley.

It lies at the heart of more than 60 years of hostility between India and Pakistan. Both neighbors claim the region in full but have partial control over it.

The Kashmir valley has either been under curfew or shut down over the past years. Residents complain about the shortage of food, medicine and other supplies.

Thousands of people have been killed in Kashmir over the past 20 years.

Separatist leaders say the Indian government should hold security forces accountable for human rights violations in Kashmir.

Several regional and international rights groups, including the Amnesty International, have called on India to take immediate steps to protect and respect human rights in the area.