MIRPUR, Aug 16: The Kashmiris living across the world including Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and occupied Kashmir observed the Indian Independence Day on Sunday as black day against India's forcible occupation their motherland.

Call for the black day coupled with complete strike was given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and supported by the AJK government to apprise the external world of their feelings against India and the importance of early settlement of the Kashmir dispute in the larger interest of establishment of permanent and durable peace in the region and for grant of the legitimate right to self-determination to Kashmiris.

Anti-India rallies were held and protest processions were taken out in all cities and towns in occupied Kashmir and Azad Kashmir. All shops and business centres remained closed and traffic stayed off the streets to observe the Indian Independence Day as black day.

Black flags were hoisted atop the buildings by the protesting Kashmiris at both sides of the LoC. In Azad Kashmir rallies were staged and processions brought out in all cities. -APP