PESHAWAR: On August 5, 2019, a dark shadow fell over the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as the fascist government of Narendra Modi revoked the region’s special status through an unconstitutional amendment, unlawfully abrogating Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.
Article 370, considered by India and its allies as a “temporary provision,” was a critical element granting IIOJK autonomy in all matters except defence, foreign affairs, and communications. Its revocation was perceived by many Kashmiris as an attempt to dismantle their last vestige of self-determination.
Historically, the people of IIOJK have faced marginalization, beginning with Maharaja Hari Singh’s controversial accession to India under the pretext of countering Pakistan’s tribal invasions. This act effectively denied Kashmiris their right to a plebiscite. The revocation of Article 370 was seen as a final effort by India to solidify its control over the region.
Furthermore, India’s action disregarded United Nations Security Council Resolution 47 (1948), which includes provisions for a plebiscite among other stipulations.
India has also introduced changes to job quotas, domicile rules, and land purchases, aiming to alter the demographic balance in the Muslim-majority region by allowing people from across India to apply for jobs, obtain domiciles, and buy land.
Professor Dr. Ejaz Khan, former Chairman of the International Relations Department at the University of Peshawar, criticized the move, stating that it stripped Muslims of their political participation and freedoms in IIOJK. He highlighted the widespread protests and demonstrations that erupted in response.
Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, a Kashmiri leader, pointed to a 43-page report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in 2019, which exposed systematic abuses and war crimes by Indian forces in IIOJK. The report detailed excessive force and the use of pellet guns against peaceful protesters in 2016, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries—violations of UN Basic Principles on Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
Prominent Hurriyat leader Muhammad Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment on dubious charges in an effort to silence his advocacy for Kashmir’s freedom.
The killing of Burhan Wani and other Kashmiri leaders in staged encounters, along with the issuance of over six million illegal domicile certificates to Hindus, further underscored the anti-Kashmir policies of the current regime.
Mushtaq Ahmad Shah condemned the severe human rights violations, including the forced disappearance of over 8,000 Kashmiris, the discovery of 8,652 unmarked mass graves, prolonged curfews affecting around 10 million Kashmiris, and widespread extra-judicial killings and abuses, particularly against women and children. These actions, he argued, reveal India’s true, oppressive nature.
Shutdowns and strikes across Kashmir met with brutal responses from Indian forces, including beatings, and excessive use of pellet guns, tear gas, and live ammunition. Restrictions on movement, assembly, and communication further stifled freedom of expression and access to information. Thousands of individuals, including politicians and activists, were arrested without charges, and many were denied justice and legal representation. Reports also surfaced of women facing sexual harassment and children suffering psychological trauma.
The humanitarian crisis in IIOJK was exacerbated by restrictions on the delivery of essential supplies and media censorship, which hindered reporting on the situation. Global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, UK parliament members, US lawmakers, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, have expressed deep concern about the dire situation.
Despite this, there is a call for more than just rhetoric; concrete action is needed. The UN and global stakeholders must take decisive steps to address the situation in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and end their prolonged suffering.
Dr. Ejaz Khan emphasized that the UN bears responsibility, as Security Council Resolution 47 (1948) calls for both India and Pakistan to withdraw their forces and resolve the issue through a plebiscite, allowing Kashmiris to choose their political future. While Pakistan has complied by withdrawing its forces, India has not budged, continuing its occupation and changing IIOJK’s special status.
Dr. Ejaz urged the UN and other stakeholders to actively work towards resolving the conflict or risk further destabilizing global peace. The ongoing brutality in IIOJK could lead to broader regional conflict, given the nuclear capabilities of the neighboring countries.
Experts believe that the steadfast struggle and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will eventually lead to their freedom. Pakistan has consistently supported the Kashmiri cause on the global stage and will continue to stand in solidarity with Kashmiris, recognizing that Kashmir is central to Pakistan’s national identity.
