Islamabad: The federal law and justice minister, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, marked Jammu Martyrs’ Day by honoring those killed in the 1947 massacre. The tragedy, involving the deaths of over 250,000 Muslims in Jammu, is regarded as one of the largest genocides in South Asian history.

The massacre, which occurred in October and November 1947, was carried out by Dogra forces with assistance from militias influenced by RSS ideology. This event, Senator Tarar noted, is often overshadowed by other historical atrocities despite its significant death toll and impact on the region.

The incident was part of a state-sponsored campaign aiming to change the demographic makeup of Jammu and Kashmir. This campaign forced over half a million people to flee to Pakistan, eradicating entire communities in the process.

Senator Tarar highlighted the ongoing struggle for Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy, pointing to India’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019. These actions, he argued, have further suppressed the region’s Muslim-majority identity through new property laws, settlement schemes, and development projects.

Pakistan continues to support the Kashmiri people’s pursuit of self-determination, a cause for which the 1947 martyrs sacrificed their lives. Senator Tarar emphasized that their sacrifices serve as a reminder that justice and truth eventually prevail.