Srinagar, Jan 22 (KNS): The incarcerated Chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), Shabir Ahmad Shah, on Wednesday said India had no constitutional right to observe the Republic Day in Jammu and Kashmir as the state had never been its part.
“And also, given the brutal and oppressive attitude of its forces with the people of Jammu Kashmir, it is totally unjustified that India celebrates this day in the state,” Shah said in a statement to KNS.
Shah also appealed people particularly the students of schools and colleges not to participate in any of the function organized with regard to India’s R-Day celebration. “It doesn’t befit us to partake or share our presence with those whose hands are smeared with the blood of our people.”
Clarifying, the DFP Chairman said, “We don’t have any issue with the people of India nor are we against the integrity of the country but given the occupational status of India vis-à-vis Jammu Kashmir, we, without any hesitation, declare this day is the ‘Black Day’ for the people of J&K.”
“How shameful it is that on one hand, India is busy in 26 January preparations but on the other side, is turning this state into a virtual jail. The innocent civilians are harassed and humiliated through frequent frisking. Be it India’s Republic Day or the Independence Day; for Kashmiris, these events are no less than any trouble and nuisance,” Shah added.
Shah said 26 January may be a significant day for India but for the oppressed people of Jammu Kashmir, the day is a reminder of the atrocities, brutalities and massacres committed by Indian state and its forces with them.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“This day reminds us of all those beloved who laid their lives while fighting the Indian oppression.”
He said India, by observing this day in J&K with the might of 8 lakh forces, is perhaps trying to give world the impression that Jammu Kashmir is its integral part but the reality is that every soul of this state is demanding freedom from the clutches of India.
“It would be better for India to conform to the changing world political scenario and respect the wishes and aspirations of the people of J&K by conducting the referendum in the state,” he said.
Saluting the spirit and steadfastness of the people of Jammu Kashmir, Shah said, “Until Indian forcible occupation of J&K ends, we will continue to observe the 26 January as the ‘Black Day’.”
Meanwhile, a DFP spokesperson has supported the shutdown call on 26 January given by the Hurriyat Conference.
The spokesperson also severely criticised the state administration for keeping the Hurriyat Conference chairman, Syed Ali Geelani and Shabir Ahmad Shah under continuous house arrest.
“Even today, both leaders were not allowed to offer the Friday congregational prayers and their residences have been turned into virtual jails. This all is aimed at creating a distance between the pro-freedom leadership and people,” he said. (KNS)