Srinagar: Indian troops have reportedly killed over 991 Kashmiris in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since August 5, 2019, according to a report by the Kashmir Media Service. This development follows the abrogation of the region’s special status by India’s BJP government.

The report, released by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service, claims that Indian forces, including various military and police units, were involved in the deaths. Among the deceased are 20 women, with many victims allegedly killed during operations and in custody.

Notable figures like senior APHC leaders Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai and Altaf Ahmed reportedly died in custody. Veteran Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani passed away under house detention, which lasted more than a decade.

The report also highlighted that 2,486 individuals sustained critical injuries due to the use of force on demonstrators. Additionally, the violence has reportedly led to 73 women becoming widows and 202 children orphaned.

The situation in IIOJK has been described as an “open-air prison” with numerous arrests under stringent laws. These include Hurriyat leaders, activists, journalists, and others, many of whom remain incarcerated.

Restrictions have also been imposed on religious practices, with residents barred from offering Eid prayers at significant sites since August 2019.

The spokesperson for APHC, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, criticized the Indian government’s claims of peace and development in the region. He argued that the situation has deteriorated since the August 2019 changes, and emphasized that the Kashmiris’ primary demand is a plebiscite under UN supervision.

APHC maintains that while they are not opposed to peace and development, their ultimate goal is liberation from Indian governance.