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The Republic Day of India marks the date when the Indian constitution came into effect. It is an occassion to be proud of one’s country. But, in some parts of India, it wasn’t as celebratory an event. India-administered Kashmir found tightened security. Attempts to celebrate the event were boycotted. The day was thus, declared a ‘Black’ day in Kashmir.
The ‘Black’ Day in Kashmir
Kashmir has been a battleground for democracy since independence. It’s the only place in India which has seen very little freedom. Therefore, events like Republic Day, seem to be a mockery of what Kashmir has been put through by both sides of the border.
“India has no right to celebrate Republic Day as it has occupied Jammu Kashmir with its military might.”- Syed Ali Shah Geelani, (Separatist leader).
APHC (All Party Hurriyat Conference) led by Geelani protested the Republic Day celebrations. Yet, the Indian flag was hoisted in Kashmir on 26th January 2018. All internet and phone networks were blocked on the day till afternoon. Security was increased and barricades were set up in Srinagar.
The leaders of the resistance called for a massive protest on the day and boycotted all attempts to celebrate the day. But, the authorities held leaders like Geelani, Umar Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Ashraf Sehrai, Mukhtar Ahmed Waza and Hilal Ahmed War were either kept in custody or under house arrest for safety purposes.
Disruption to normal life
The boycott and declaration of the ‘Black’ day affected normal civilian life in Kashmir. Petrol pumps were shut. So were establishments like shops and other offices. But the events of the Republic day proceeded without much incident. The ‘Black’ day was to be observed in pursuit of early solutions to Kashmir’s issues. When it comes to Kashmir, the discussion always gets tricky and one must be careful of the sentiments of the people.
But where are the ‘people’ in this discussion? It only seems to be a discussion across borders from one party to another. One government to another without asking Kashmir what it wants. The talk in the name of the ‘people’ must stop if the people aren’t given the opportunity to speak. Kashmir is more than territory, it’s home to somebody, it’s someone’s hope, somebody’s future. Why do governments and armies not understand this? They throw the ball in each other’s court like a tennis match, but this is Kashmir. Kashmir was once called ‘Heaven on Earth’, it still could be, if one only asked the people of Kashmir.