Atrocities in Kashmir

Indian-occupied Kashmir has seen the worst kind of bloodshed, violence, harassment, extrajudicial killings, suppression of human rights and brutal torture. According to the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, “from January 1989 to December 2016, 100,000 people were killed, including 7073 custodial killings; around 137469 civilians were arrested; there were 8000 to 10,000 enforced disappearances; 22,827 women were widowed; 1,07,591 children became orphans; 10,717 women were gang-raped/molested and over 1,07,043 buildings were demolished.” It goes without saying that the Kashmiris’ right to self- determination is guaranteed by the UN. Despite that, India has failed to implement UNSC resolutions by denying the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and refusing to hold a plebiscite there. Indian security forces are disobeying all international laws by committing endless atrocities against the peaceful struggle for freedom. There are almost 700,000 deployed Indian security forces in Kashmir; this large number of deployment of armed forces undoubtedly makes Kashmir the most militarised zone in the world.

There is no military solution to Kashmir issue. It can only be resolved through politics, diplomacy and dialogue. Thus, Pakistan must raise this issue at the international level and urge the international community to negotiate talks for a peaceful solution in line with UNSC resolutions. Pakistan must also ask global human rights organisations to take notice of the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir and intervene to stop India from perpetrating state repression, violence and brute force on Kashmiri youth, women and children. Furthermore, the primary purpose of the UN is to preserve peace and resolve disputes in the world. Which is why the UN must come forward and urge India for a peaceful solution to the issue so that oppressed Kashmiris can decide their future.

Assad Ali Lund

Dadu