Kashmiri Resistance Marked on India’s Republic Day as Black Day

“Black Day,” observed on India’s Republic Day, has become a metaphor for the resistance of the Kashmiri people. While January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day across India, it is observed as a Black Day in Jammu and Kashmir.

For Kashmiris, this date serves as a reminder of the constitutional imposition placed upon them on January 26, 1950. According to the UN, the Kashmiri people were to decide their own future; however, the unilateral application of the Indian constitution negated that right. Consequently, every year on January 26, a complete shutdown and peaceful protests are observed in the region. This silence is not an expression of fear or weakness but a refusal to recognize a rule imposed by force as a true democracy.

The widespread arrests and heightened security measures on Black Day underscore a significant lack of public support for the state’s narrative. This situation intensified on August 5, 2019, when India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A. The subsequent lockdowns, communication blackouts, and mass detentions serve as evidence that these measures were implemented without public consent.

In contrast, Pakistan has consistently supported the Kashmiri right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions. The Pakistani constitution also affirms that Kashmiris must have the right to determine their own future under the UN Charter. Ultimately, this day serves as a solemn reminder to the international community that lasting peace in the region is impossible without upholding the Kashmiri right to self-determination.