MUZAFFARABAD, Aug 15: Kashmiris observed India’s Independence Day as ‘black day’ on Monday by holding rallies and demonstrations. In the Azad Kashmir capital, a public meeting was held at the Central Press Club, followed by a march to the United Nations military observers’ office to deliver a protest note.

Speaking at the public meeting, AJK Forests Minister Mir Ali Akbar criticized India for unleashing a reign of terror in held Kashmir to quell the popular struggle for freedom.

However, he said, India would fail to achieve its target as every Kashmiri was determined to overthrow its illegal rule at all costs.

The minister said India had no right to celebrate independence because it was denying freedom to the people of Kashmir in blatant disregard to international laws and its own commitments.

Anti-India demonstrations on both sides of the Line of Control on the day proved that the Kashmiris abhorred India and wanted freedom from its subjugation, he said.

Mr Akbar called upon the international community to take stock of the situation and help solve the problem in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiris so that durable peace could be established in the region.

AJK Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information Noreen Arif and Jamaat-i-Islami leader Javed Iqbal Khawaja also spoke.

The Pasban-i-Hurriyat, an organization of Kashmiri refugees, took out a procession which culminated at the office of UN military observers where a memorandum was delivered.

Around 200 participants of the procession wearing black armbands, led by All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Geelani group) leader Mohammad Abdullah Malick, shouted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. “India’s Independence Day is Black Day for the Kashmiris,” read a banner held by the protesters.