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Indian troops

brace for black

day' in held

valley

ISLAMABAD: With the Indian Independence Day approaching, the Kashmiri people have stepped up their activities to mark the occasion as 'Black Day,' reports Radio Teheran.

"There exists no precedent of any public ceremony on the occasion of Indian independence day," since Kashmiri people launched freedom struggle against Indian rule in 1989, the broadcast added.

The radio said the Indian Independence Day ceremony remained confined to the military people along for the last six years. "The State Governor takes salute at the parade in the absence of political administration," it added.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, an umbrella grouping of over 30 Kashmiri organizations, have announced to observe the day as 'Black Day' by hoisting black flags on the houses. The Kashmiris would observe," the day to reaffirm their pledge to continue their struggle till the untimate goal of freedom (from India) is achieved," the radio quoted Hurriyat statement as saying.

Fearing attack by freedom fighters on the Independence Day ceremony, the radio said that Indian army and para-military troops have been fanned out to the vast area around the Srinagar's main stadium much in advance of August 15.

At present, Indian security forces have besieged the localities in the vacinity of Srinagar stadium and house-to-house search and identity parades go on unabated.

The broadcast said scores of peole have been arrested in crackdowns and," it is expected that crackdowns and arrest will continue till the Independence Day of India celebrations are over."

Meanwhile, the radio said violence is continuing in the held state.

An Indian police spokesman said that eight people including six in northern Kupwara district were killed by Indian security forces. The spokesman, however, did not divulge the losses suffered by occupation forces.-AFP