SRINAGAR: As the world observes the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the people of Indian Illegally-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) find themselves still grappling with the harsh realities of India’s policies.
A recent analytical report from the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service sheds light on the continued challenges faced by the region’s residents under the leadership of the Hindutva-driven Indian government led by Narendra Modi. Since August 5, 2019, when New Delhi revoked the region’s special status and imposed military and police control, IIOJK has witnessed an intensification of state terrorism and political oppression.
Over the years, the report underscores that the local population has borne the brunt of these policies, as more than 96,230 innocent Kashmiris have lost their lives due to violence perpetrated by Indian security forces. Tragically, more than 22,962 women have been widowed, and over 107,908 children have been orphaned during this period due to the unrelenting cycle of conflict. Disturbingly, the report notes that at least 11,259 women have been subjected to sexual assault, revealing a deeply concerning pattern of the use of rape as a weapon of war to subjugate the Kashmiri people.
The report draws attention to the fact that IIOJK residents, irrespective of gender or age, have been enduring immense suffering for over seven decades. Despite enduring a wave of state-sponsored terror, Kashmiris have displayed remarkable resilience in their struggle for self-determination. The report notes that anti-Muslim sentiment has risen significantly in IIOJK since Modi assumed power in India in 2014. However, the unwavering determination of the Kashmiri people to seek liberation from Indian control remains unshaken.
The report emphasizes that the international community must not remain indifferent to the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK. The grave actions of Indian security forces demand accountability and justice. It is imperative that those responsible for perpetrating crimes against humanity, including Narendra Modi and his associates, be held accountable for their actions. The global community is urged to voice their concern and take decisive actions to address the deeply distressing situation in IIOJK.
As the world commemorates the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, it is crucial to remember the plight of the people of IIOJK who continue to endure immense hardships due to India’s policies. The Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination and their call for justice deserve the attention and support of the international community, and efforts must be made to ensure that the cycle of suffering is brought to an end through diplomatic means and a commitment to human rights and justice.
