As India prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, the country faces intensified challenges from Pakistani-backed separatist factions and anti-India propaganda campaigns. While the day is marked by patriotic fervor and nationwide celebrations in India, certain groups, particularly in Pakistan and separatist circles, have declared it a “Black Day,” aiming to undermine India’s sovereignty and disrupt the Republic Day festivities.
Escalation of Anti-India Activities
Organizations like the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and Sikh for Justice (SFJ), both known for their history of separatist rhetoric, are at the forefront of this year’s campaigns to tarnish the Republic Day celebrations. These groups are leveraging social media, misinformation campaigns, and public events to propagate divisive narratives and incite unrest. The APHC, a separatist group advocating for Jammu and Kashmir’s independence from India, has intensified its efforts to rally support against India. It has called upon the residents of Jammu and Kashmir to observe January 26 as “Black Day,” claiming to resist what it describes as India’s “occupation” of the region. The group has also alleged widespread house raids and frisking by Indian security forces in the Union Territory, promoting unverified claims to foster sympathy for their separatist cause. By portraying these routine security measures as oppressive acts, the APHC aims to inflame anti-India sentiments and project the Indian government as a repressive force. Social media accounts amplifying APHC’s propaganda have played a significant role in spreading misinformation. Handles such as @SharpMediaNetx, @TheKashmirWaves, and @kmskashmirnews, though modest in their follower counts, have been instrumental in circulating content that aligns with the APHC’s agenda.
SFJ’s Khalistan Movement
The Sikh for Justice (SFJ), an organization advocating for a separate Khalistan state, has similarly escalated its activities targeting Indian sovereignty. The group has used platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share provocative posts and threats against Indian Republic Day celebrations. A recent post by the account @MaslePunjabDe reads, “75th year of Sikhism under the control of the Indian Constitution. 26th January, Indian Republic Day will be targeted by pro-Khalistan Sikhs.” Additionally, the extremist Guradarsh Singh Manochahal raised the Khalistan flag at India Gate in an incendiary act intended to provoke Indian authorities and stir controversy. The SFJ has also announced a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on Republic Day. Rejecting the Indian Constitution and observing the day as “Black Day,” the protest is expected to draw international attention to the Khalistan cause. In Delhi, the SFJ has defaced public spaces, including metro stations, with graffiti promoting Khalistan. Messages like “Stay Home, Stay Safe” have been accompanied by threats, warning residents to avoid public gatherings on Republic Day due to alleged threats from pro-Khalistan extremists.
Role of Social Media
Social media platforms have become a central tool for these groups to disseminate their anti-India propaganda. Hashtags such as #IIOJK, #BlackDay, and #KashmirBlackDay have gained traction, amplifying separatist narratives and fostering negative sentiment against India. Several social media accounts have been identified as key players in the dissemination of this propaganda. These handles, often operating anonymously or under pseudonyms, focus on inciting unrest by sharing misleading or inflammatory content. Prominent accounts promoting Khalistan-related narratives include:
| Handle Name | Followers |
| @DOABA_MEDIA | 343 |
| @sfj_team9397 | 65 |
| @News_Politics24 | 371 |
| @MaslePunjabDe | 114 |
| @Azad_Punjab84 | 643 |
| @Narinde88279916 | 475 |
The APHC and SFJ have historically relied on such accounts to shape perceptions and amplify their campaigns. Their focus on hashtags like #RightToSelfDetermination and #OccupiedKashmir demonstrates a coordinated effort to undermine India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir and promote separatist ideologies.
Sentiment Analysis and Propaganda Trends
An analysis of online discourse reveals an overwhelming surge in negative sentiment toward India, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir and the Khalistan movement. This trend has been fueled by the APHC’s “Black Day” call, which led to a noticeable spike in anti-India activity on January 16, 2025.
Mainstream Media’s Role
Pakistani media outlets have also joined the propaganda effort, circulating exaggerated reports about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Publications like Kashmir Media Service (KMS) and Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) have falsely claimed a heavy deployment of Indian troops and restrictions in the region ahead of Republic Day. These narratives, lacking context and accuracy, seek to portray India as a militarized oppressor.
Key reports include:
- KMS News (January 19, 2025): Alleged “stringent restrictions” imposed by Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Associated Press of Pakistan (January 21, 2025): Claims of intensified Indian military presence to suppress dissent.
Such reports are deliberately designed to evoke international criticism and bolster separatist sentiments.
Impact of Coordinated Misinformation
The coordinated efforts by the APHC, SFJ, and Pakistani-backed groups aim to disrupt India’s Republic Day celebrations on multiple fronts:
- Domestic Unrest: By promoting “Black Day” narratives and alleging human rights violations, these groups seek to incite unrest within Jammu and Kashmir.
- International Attention: Protests like the one planned outside the Indian High Commission in London aim to garner global attention and support for separatist causes.
- Digital Propaganda: The use of social media to amplify anti-India rhetoric has enabled these groups to reach wider audiences, including diaspora communities.
Countermeasures and the Way Forward
India has historically faced such challenges during significant national events. In response to this year’s threats, security agencies have heightened vigilance, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir and around key installations in Delhi. Social media platforms are also under scrutiny, with authorities working to flag and take down accounts spreading misinformation. However, the persistence of these narratives highlights the need for a robust strategy to counter propaganda and foster unity. Public awareness campaigns, increased digital literacy, and proactive diplomacy can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
India’s Republic Day 2025 celebrations symbolize the country’s democratic spirit and resilience. Yet, the rising activities of groups like the APHC and SFJ underscore the ongoing challenges to India’s sovereignty and unity. The false narratives and disruptive tactics employed by these organizations demand a concerted effort from both the government and citizens to preserve the sanctity of this national occasion. As the nation stands united to celebrate its achievements, it must also remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord and undermine its democratic values. India’s strength lies in its ability to confront these challenges with resolve and reaffirm its commitment to the principles enshrined in its Constitution.
