British Kashmiris gathered outside the Indian Consulate in Birmingham to observe India’s Republic Day as a “Black Day,” protesting against India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.  According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstrators raised pro-freedom and anti-India slogans while carrying placards and flags condemning the ongoing oppression in the occupied territory.  The protest was led by Fahim Kayani, President of the All Parties International Kashmir Coordination Committee (APIKCC).

Prominent participants included Inamul Haq, Secretary General of APIKCC; Muhammad Ghalib, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir (TeK) Europe; Mufti Fazal Ahmed Qadari; Shakeel Chaudhry; Zohaib Sadiq; Stuart Richardson, Farooq Ahmed Qadari, Mufti Majeed Nadeem, Chaudhry Ikramul Haq, Naib Mughal, Hanif Chaudhry, Javed Awan, Kashif Munir, among others.  Speakers at the event emphasized that Kashmiris across the globe mark India’s Republic Day as a “Black Day” to draw attention to the continued denial of their right to self-determination.

They strongly condemned India’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling it a “terrorist state” responsible for gross human rights violations.  Fahim Kayani, President of APIKCC and TeK UK, stated, “Kashmiris will persist in their struggle for self-determination as guaranteed by United Nations resolutions. India has deprived Kashmiris of all basic human rights, and its claims of democracy are a glaring example of hypocrisy and double standards.”

He added, “Our protest outside the Indian Consulate in Birmingham is a stance against Modi’s fascism, Hindutva ideology, and the oppressive regime in occupied Kashmir.  The Indian military has failed to suppress the legitimate resistance of the Kashmiri people, and their struggle will continue until the occupation ends.”  Kayani also urged the international community to impose sanctions on India, describing it as one of the world’s worst violators of UN resolutions, international law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention. 

Inamul Haq, Secretary General of APIKCC, criticized India’s celebration of Republic Day, asserting, “A nation that denies Kashmiris their fundamental rights has no moral authority to celebrate its Republic Day.”  Muhammad Ghalib, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir Europe, echoed the sentiment, stating, “India, which has perpetuated death and destruction in occupied Kashmir for decades, has no right to celebrate Republic Day while oppressing millions.” 

Meanwhile, members of the Kashmiri and Pakistani communities marked India’s Republic Day as Black Day, protesting in Paris to highlight India’s unfulfilled commitment to granting the right to self-determination to the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.  Participants vowed to continue their protests until Kashmiris are granted their right to vote, emphasizing their resolve to sustain the global campaign for justice and freedom in the disputed territory.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)