SRINAGAR: According to a report the Indian troops have killed 933 Kashmiris, including 17 women and 31 young boys, since August 5, 2019, when India’s extremist Modi-led government imposed President’s Rule in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The report said, the five-year President’s Rule period between October 31, 2019, and October 13, 2024, was marked by grave human rights violations, resulting in 933 Kashmiri casualties, including 17 women and 31 young boys. This time period saw a significant increase in killings, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial executions, torture and destruction of property, with 240 individuals dying in fake encounters or police custody.
The report highlights the Indian authorities’ role in these human rights abuses, including the targeting of civilians, medical facilities and schools, which is a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Out of the 933 martyred, 240 were killed in fake encounters or died in the custody of Indian police, including senior Hurriyat leaders Altaf Ahmed Shah and Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai. Many youths were arrested from their homes, labeled as militants or over-ground workers, and eliminated.
As per the report thousands of Hurriyat leaders, religious and political leaders, activists, businessmen, civil society members and youth were arrested before or after August 5, 2019, and remain in various Indian and IIOJK jails.
The BJP’s new media policy, launched in 2020, has restricted free information flow in IIOJK, with journalists facing harassment and detention.
India has given domicile certificates to thousands of non-Kashmiri migrants, in a bid to alter the Muslim-majority status of the occupied territory. The report added the properties of pro-freedom leaders are being confiscated, and constituencies rearranged to favor Hindus.
Despite Indian brutalities, Kashmiris are determined to fight for their rights, including the demand for a plebiscite. The global community is asked to take notice of India’s actions and push for a resolution in line with Kashmiris’ aspirations and relevant UN resolutions.
