ISLAMABAD  - Complete strike was observed on Thursday in Indian Held Kashmir as Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world marked India’s Republic Day, as Black Day.
The day was observed to convey to the international community that India’s continued denial of Kashmiris right to self-determination belied its claim of being a democratic republic.
The call for observance of the Day was given by Chairman of Hurriyat (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani, JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik and High Court Bar Association.
Markets remained closed and roads wore a deserted look except for gun-totting Indian troops and police personnel who had been deployed at every nook and corner of streets of all major cities and towns to ensure people do not hold protest demos. The authorities had sounded a high alert across the Kashmir Valley on Thursday and Indian troops and police were deployed around the Bakhshi Stadium, the main venue of official function, and other vital installations across the Valley.
Mobile phone and Internet networks remained jammed as part of attempt to forestall anti-India demos in the territory.
Hundreds of police and paramilitary CRPF men were deployed in different parts of the City to thwart protests.  Mobile service operators blocked services for a few hours. Vehicle movement was also restrictive, while most shops remained closed.  Force personnel in full battle gear patrolled the deserted streets of Srinagar city, whilst sharpshooters watched from rooftops.
A demonstration organised by the APHC, AJK Chapter, was held in Islamabad, which was attended by AJK Prime Minister, Ministers and representatives of political parties.  A memorandum was presented to the United Nations office, reminding the world body of its resolutions for resolving the Kashmir dispute.
In Brussels, a big demo was held outside the Indian Embassy in connection with the Black Day. The Chairman of Kashmir Centre, Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo led the demonstration.
Addressing the participants, Barrister Tramboo urged the world community to impress upon India to grant the people of Kashmir their inalienable right to self-determination for deciding their future by themselves.
Meanwhile, Indian troops in their stepped-up act of state terrorism martyred one more youth near Mala Bala in Akhnoor area of Jammu district on Thursday.