British Kashmiris Observe Indian Republic Day as “Black Day” in the UK
Birmingham, UK – On January 26, British Kashmiris gathered outside the Indian Consulate in Birmingham to observe India’s Republic Day as a “Black Day,” protesting India’s ongoing occupation of Kashmir. The protesters raised pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, carrying placards and flags condemning Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The protest was led by Fahim Kayani, President of the All Parties International Kashmir Coordination Committee (APIKCC). Among the prominent leaders participating were Inam ul Haq, Secretary General of APIKCC; Muhammad Ghalib, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir (TeK) Europe; Mufti Fazal Ahmed Qadari; Shakeel Ch; Zohaib Sadiq; Stuart Richardson; Farooq Ahmed Qadari; Mufti Majeed Nadeem; Ch. Ikram ul Haq; Naib Mughal; Hanif Ch; Javed Awan; Kashif Munir, and others.
The speakers emphasized that Kashmiris worldwide are protesting India’s so-called Republic Day to highlight the ongoing oppression of the Kashmiri people’s right to freedom. They condemned India’s actions, declaring that India is not a democracy but a “terrorist state” that continues to inflict violence on innocent Kashmiris.
Fahim Kayani, President of APIKCC & TeK UK, stated, “Kashmiris will continue their struggle for self-determination as enshrined in United Nations Resolutions. India has denied all human rights in occupied Kashmir, and its claims of democracy are a clear example of double standards.” He further added, “We are protesting outside the Indian Consulate in Birmingham because it symbolizes Modi’s fascism, Hindutva ideology, and the ongoing oppression. The Indian military’s might has failed to crush Kashmiris’ legitimate struggle for self-determination. Resistance will remain as long as Indian occupation persists.”
Kayani also called on the international community to impose sanctions on India, labeling the country as one of the biggest violators of UN resolutions, international law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Inam ul Haq, Secretary General of APIKCC, criticized India’s actions, stating, “India, which has deprived Kashmiris of their fundamental rights, has no moral justification to celebrate its Republic Day.”
Muhammad Ghalib, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir Europe, added, “A country that has been grossly involved in death and destruction in occupied Kashmir and has held Kashmiris hostage for decades has no right whatsoever to celebrate Republic Day.”
The protest served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Kashmir’s freedom and the persistent call for international intervention to end India’s occupation.
