Islamabad: As Kashmiris marked Youm-e-Istehsal, the anniversary of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Indian authorities escalated security measures in the region to stifle any form of protest.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the increased restrictions included heightened military deployment and more checkpoints throughout Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Several Kashmiri leaders, including Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi and Mehbooba Mufti, were placed under house arrest to prevent them from leading or participating in protests.

The day was also observed internationally, with Kashmiri-Americans staging a significant protest in New York’s Times Square. They denounced the human rights violations by India and called for the fulfillment of the UN-pledged right to self-determination for Kashmiris, vocalizing strong opposition to Indian policies and actions in the region.

The Research Section of Kashmir Media Service reported a significant increase in human rights abuses in Kashmir since August 5, 2019. The report detailed the killing of 907 Kashmiris, including women and young boys, the ongoing imprisonment of Hurriyat leaders and activists, restrictions on press freedom, and India’s attempts to alter the demographic composition of the Muslim-majority territory by issuing domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris and seizing properties of Kashmiri leaders and activists.