Syed Ali Safvi
Press TV, Indian-Controlled Kashmir
India celebrated its 66th Republic Day with US President Barack Obama as the chief guest. But people in Kashmir observed the occasion as Black Day in a show of protest against what they call New Delhi’s denial of Kashmiris inalienable right to self-determination.
A complete shutdown was observed across the restive region in response to a strike call from pro-independence groups.
The entire region was turned into a military garrison with a large number of Indian forces deployed on streets, enforcing curfew-like restrictions. Iron barricades were put up at almost every entry point to the capital city, Srinagar.
Speaking to Press TV, Kashmir's top pro-independence leader Yasin Malik accused India of not only denying Kashmiris the right to decide their political future, but also subjugating the people by the use of force.
Pro-independence groups have urged the visiting US president to persuade the Indian government to resume dialogue with Pakistan and also include Kashmiris in the dialogue process for the resolution of the issue.
Observers believe that the United States and other countries need to see the issue of Kashmir from a humanitarian angle and play an active role in resolving one of the world's longstanding disputes.
While it is a day of celebration for Indian people, January 26 is observed as Black Day in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pro-independence groups say the occasion is a chance to express resentment and dismay over New Delhi's broken promises and years of persecution in the disputed region.
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