Srinagar: Civil society members in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have highlighted the ongoing struggle of thousands of mothers who await the return of their sons and husbands, missing since 1989 due to Indian forces’ custody.

Members of the civil society, including Dr. Zubair Ahmed Raja, Muhammad Furhan, Muhammad Iqbal Shaheen, and Syed Haider Hussain, convened in Srinagar to mark the International Day of Families and International Mother’s Day. They emphasized the plight of those detained, yearning for the safe return of their loved ones.

The discussion focused on the resilience of Kashmiri women amid the challenges posed by Indian forces, including oppression, torture, house raids, and arrests. The group condemned India’s use of force against women, highlighting incidents of humiliation and violence in the territory.

The members reiterated that Kashmiri women suffer disproportionately from state terrorism, witnessing their loved ones being targeted and jailed. They pointed to several mothers languishing in prison under false charges and called for international intervention.

A grim picture of impunity was painted, citing instances of extrajudicial and custodial killings. The members noted that December 1994 saw 33 such deaths, including 16 civilians, underscoring the ongoing horrors faced by Kashmiris.

Criticism was directed at the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which they argue hinders accountability. They highlighted the intensified crackdown by Indian agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Investigation Agency (SIA), which have been used to target Kashmiris under false charges.

The civil society members appealed to the international community, urging the United Nations and women’s rights organizations to address the hardships faced by Kashmiri mothers and to advocate for justice and self-determination in the region.