indias independence day
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India’s Independence Day faces protests and boycotts

ByJustpaste.in

NEW DELHI: India’s Independence Day celebrations were met with protests, shutdowns and boycott calls in several regions on Saturday, including Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and parts of the country’s northeast.

Several political, community and regional groups called for strikes and non-participation in official celebrations, with some organisations observing the day as a “Black Day”.

In IIOJK, boycott and shutdown calls were reported ahead of the celebrations. Security was significantly increased in Srinagar, with additional personnel deployed around key locations and routes leading to the main Independence Day venue.

The protests and boycott calls were also reported in several northeastern states, including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

In Nagaland, Naga nationalist groups observed August 14 as their own Independence Day, recalling the Naga National Council’s declaration of independence in 1947. The groups continue to emphasise their separate political identity and longstanding demand for self-determination.

Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah reiterated that his group would not compromise on its demands concerning sovereignty, a separate flag and constitution.

The Naga Students’ Federation also opposed the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram, citing concerns related to religious freedom and freedom of conscience.

In Manipur, several organisations called a 12-hour general strike and shutdown. Black flags were reportedly displayed in parts of the state as groups urged people to stay away from official celebrations.

Similar boycott calls were issued in Assam and neighbouring areas. Security forces were placed on alert around sensitive locations and border regions amid concerns over possible disruptions.

The developments came as India held nationwide celebrations marking its Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the main ceremony in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, India’s opposition also remained divided over the official celebrations. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not attend Modi’s ceremony.

Their absence was linked to continuing political differences, including disagreements over seating arrangements and protocol.

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