ISLAMABAD: After the illegal action of the Narendra Modi-led Hindutva government in India to revoke the special status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, there has been an alarming increase in the number of killings, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, and other serious human rights violations in Kashmir.
According to a report released on Friday by the Research Section of the Kashmir Media Service, 857 Kashmiris, including 28 youth were killed by Indian troops between August 5, 2019, when the illegal revocation of IIOJK’s special status began, till February 20, 2024.
It said that at least 2,416 people were critically injured due to the use of brutal force including firing of bullets, pellets and teargas shells by Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel on peaceful demonstrators and mourners in the occupied territory.
Many people, including old women and young girls, have been taken away by the soldiers during search operation in IIOJK. The report added that the number of killings since August 5, 2019, is higher than in previous years.
The report accuses the Indian government of employing ruthless tactics to change the demographics of the region, confiscating properties, displacing residents, and ousting Muslim employees from government positions.
Despite these atrocities, Kashmiris remain resolute in their struggle for freedom and self-determination. The report calls for accountability, urging the international community to address India’s violations of human rights in the occupied territory and force New Delhi to resolve the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions. —APP
