SRINAGAR: Political observers and analysts in Indian illegally-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are shedding light on a disturbing pattern – the alleged use of sexual violence as a military tactic by India to suppress and intimidate Kashmiris who challenge the country’s illegal occupation of the region.
This article examines the claims made by experts and the broader implications of this unsettling strategy.
Experts and analysts in Srinagar, the largest city in IIOJK, have brought attention to the disturbing tactic of sexual violence being employed as a tool to strike fear into the hearts of the Kashmiri population during cordon and search operations. The strategy involves the molestation and rape of women, a grave violation of human rights, aimed at terrorizing the entire community.
Disturbing figures have emerged, with reported cases of rape, gang-rape, and molestation by Indian troops in IIOJK reaching a staggering 11,256 since 1990. These numbers highlight a deeply unsettling trend that demands urgent attention from the international community.
One of the most poignant examples of this harrowing strategy is the Kunanposhpora mass rape incident, which took place on the night of February 23-24, 1991. In this horrifying incident, around 100 Kashmiri women were subjected to gang rape by Indian troops in the Kupwara district. The incident remains a stark reminder of the targeting of women as a method of instilling fear and dominance.
Experts and analysts assert that sexual violence is being carried out as part of an official policy within IIOJK. This assertion underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention to protect the vulnerable population from enduring further trauma.
Numerous international human rights organizations have documented instances of sexual violence perpetrated by Indian troops in IIOJK. Despite these damning reports, the lack of accountability has been deeply troubling. Notably, no Indian soldier or police officer implicated in these crimes has faced consequences due to the legal shield provided by draconian laws.
The experts and analysts lament the widespread impunity that Indian forces seem to enjoy, which undermines justice and perpetuates a culture of abuse. They emphasize that the international community must step up and take concrete measures to address the issue, recognizing that sexual violence is being cynically employed as a war tactic.
