SRINAGAR: In a distressing update from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Indian troops have continued their acts of state terrorism, resulting in the martyrdom of 85 Kashmiris thus far in 2023. This grim statistic underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Reports from IIOJK state that among these martyred Kashmiris, 22 lost their lives in fake encounters or while in custody. The forces responsible for these actions include the Indian Army, police, paramilitary personnel, as well as operatives from the dreaded National Investigation Agency and State Investigation Agency.
The security forces have intensified their operations through violent cordon and search missions, as well as house raids, leading to the arrest of over 3,000 individuals. These detainees encompass Hurriyat leaders, activists, and journalists, with most of them being charged under draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Amid these grave circumstances, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference has reaffirmed the Kashmiri people’s unwavering resolve for freedom. Despite the continued Indian atrocities, they remain steadfast in their struggle for the UN-recognized right to self-determination. The organization calls upon the international community to play an active role in resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, ultimately aiming to establish lasting peace in South Asia.
In a disturbing development, the chief of the rightwing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, has called upon the leaders of the extremist Hindu organization to intensify their efforts in promoting the Hindutva ideology in occupied Kashmir. This directive aims to propagate the organization’s ideology at the grassroots level within the occupied territory. The RSS, known as the political mentor of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been escalating its endeavors to impose its Hindutva agenda, particularly since the revocation of the special status of occupied Kashmir on August 5, 2019.
Conversely, a recent report from the Washington-based Indian American Muslim Council sheds light on the distressing surge in communal violence, targeted attacks, and hate speeches directed against religious minorities in India, particularly Muslims and Christians. The report highlights the vulnerability of these communities to violent incidents, persecution, and discrimination, particularly during the third quarter of 2023. Furthermore, the report underscores the unchecked human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, where journalists, political activists, and the local population continue to face widespread abuses.
