Taking back its earlier announcement, the federal government on Saturday decided to observe ‘black day’ against Indian atrocities in India-held Kashmir on July 20 instead of July 19.
In a surprising move, the federal cabinet on Friday had decided to observe a countrywide ‘black day’ on July 19 for expressing solidarity with people of India-held Kashmir, several of whom were killed while protesting against the murder of freedom leader Burhan Wani.
July 19 is observed every year in renewal of the historical resolution of Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan passed by the people of the state.
The All Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference on July 19, 1947, in Srinagar demanded the then Dogra rulers to materialise the accession of the Jammu Kashmir state to Pakistan honouring the decision and point of view of the majority population of the Muslim majority in the state.
“Kashmir’s Accession Day will be observed on July 19 while nationwide ‘Black Day’ will be observed on July 20 to protest the brutalities of Indian forces in Kashmir,” the government announced on Saturday.
Indian authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in most parts of IHK after Wani was killed, but massive protests continued despite attempts to suppress violence.
Paramilitary troops and police in riot gear patrolled villages and towns in the region. Most shops were shuttered, businesses were closed and cellphone services were suspended. More than 25 people were killed in clashes between Indian troops and protesters.