India’s Republic Day: Kashmiris observe Black Day in Brussels

MIRPUR: The Kashmiri diaspora in Belgium on Friday observed India’s Republic Day as Black Day by holding a demonstration in front of the Indian Embassy in Brussels.

According to a press release received here, a protest march was organized by the Kashmir Council Europe and an indigenous NGO representing the people of Kashmir.

The demonstration drew a sizable number of supporters and Kashmiris despite the cold and heavy rain. Slogans supporting Kashmiris and denouncing Indian crimes were written on posters and banners held by the demonstrators.

The demonstrators asked that India halt its crimes against Kashmiri people and keep its word to provide them with the right to self-determination. The large-scale protest rally was headed by a number of people, including KC EU Chief Ali Raza, Khalid Joshi, Rao Mostejab, Sardar Mahmood Iqbal, Nadeem Mahar, Syed Aslam Shah, Zahid Shah, Zaheer Zahid and Shazia Aslam.

Speaking at the event, Ali Raza urged that to resolve the Kashmir dispute amicably, human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir cease and that Kashmiris be granted their rights. He said India was complicit in grave crimes against Kashmiris and cited notable political, social, and journalistic figures from the region who were wrongfully imprisoned. Every day, women are still being tortured, desecrated and people are falling victim to extrajudicial and targeted killings.

The demonstrators asked the international community to help stop the crimes being committed in IIOJ&K and find a fair and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute.