MUZAFFARABAD: Hund­reds of people took to the streets across Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Monday to condemn India for denying the right to self-determination to the Kashmiris.

The demonstrations coincided with the Republic Day celebrations in India, which Kashmiris observe as ‘black day’, questioning India’s locus standi to declare itself a democratic country when it refuses the same right to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the largest rallies was organised by Hizbul Mujahi­deen under the leadership of Imtiaz Alam, Uzair Ahmed Ghazali and Asghar Rasool.

“India’s so called Republic Day is a black day for the Kashmiris,” read a big banner carried by the HM activists.

They were raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. Some also chanted slogans against what they said an “unholy alliance between India and the United States” in the wake of President Barack Obama’s ongoing tour to India.

The Cultural Academy held at the press club a photo exhibition depicting Indian atrocities in India-held Kashmir.

In the Bhimber district, Jamaat-i-Islami organised ‘Azm-i-Inqilab Conference’ where JI Pakistan chief Maulana Sirajul Haq was the chief guest.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play