SRINAGAR: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over observed India’s independence day on Wednesday as black day to convey a message to the international community that New Delhi continues to illegally occupy their homeland. The day was marked by a complete strike in the occupied territory, Kashmir Media Service reported. The strike was called by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik. All shops, business establishments and schools were closed. The occupying forces, in the name of so-called security, had deployed Indian army, paramilitary and police personnel in all major cities and towns of the occupied territory to prevent people from holding anti-India demonstrations. Authorities also suspended mobile phone and internet services in most parts of the occupied territory. Published in Daily Times, August 16th 2018.