New York: A new report issued by Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace and Justice, claims that India is systematically using rape as a weapon of war in Jammu and Kashmir. This allegation was detailed in a presentation during the 89th session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report documents allegations of widespread sexual violence by Indian troops in the region since 1990, including claims that over 10,000 women have been gang-raped. The report emphasizes the severe psychological aftermath for the victims, who suffer from rape trauma syndrome, experiencing relentless flashbacks and nightmares that force them to relive the violence.
Highlighting international concern, the report references the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights’ 2019 findings, which painted a grim picture of the human rights situation in Kashmir. Women in the region reportedly live under constant threat, facing not only sexual violence but also enforced disappearances, killings, and torture.
One of the most notorious incidents cited is the 1991 Kunan-Poshpora event, where 23 women were reportedly gang-raped by Indian Army soldiers. Despite substantial documentary evidence and eyewitness accounts, efforts to seek justice have been systematically obstructed by the Indian government.
Dr. Fai’s report implores the international community to formally denounce these actions and to take decisive steps to end violence against women in Kashmir. He also calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue involving India, Pakistan, and the recognized leaders of the Kashmiri people.
This report contributes to the broader dialogue on sexual violence in conflict zones, challenging the international community to confront and curtail the use of rape as a weapon of war, a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.