New Delhi: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday criticised Pakistan over its move to observe black day in wake of the recent violence in Kashmir Valley and asked as to how much freedom does Islamabad bestows on the people living in the part of Kashmir occupied by them.
"Before celebrating `black day`, Pakistan must answer the question that how much free dome do they give to the people living in Kashmir which they have occupied. Does Pakistan respect their democratic rights?" said Prasad.
"Every day we hear news that the people living in `Azad Kashmir` are not able to access their democratic rights and are forced to daily observe `black day`. Rest we are trying our best to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir and trying to do whatever we can for its betterment," he added.
Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had announced that his country would observe a black day in light of the worst outbreak of violence on the Indian side of Kashmir.
Curfew and restrictions continue across Kashmir.
Two civilians were killed in retaliatory firing last evening after locals clashed with armed forced in Qazigund area of South Kashmir.
With this, the death toll of civilians has reached around 40.
