Mirpur: The Institute of Dialogue, Development and Diplomatic Studies (IDDS), alongside PG Degree College for Girls, Mirpur, recently held a seminar to spotlight the gender-based war crimes allegedly committed by Indian occupation forces in the villages of Kunan and Poshpora in 1991.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the seminar titled “Kunan Poshpora: A Gendered War Crime by Indian Occupation Forces in IIOJK – An International Law Perspective,” attracted faculty members, staff, administration, and students. It aimed to educate future leaders about the alleged weaponization of sexual violence by Indian forces, highlighting the ongoing demand for justice and the right to self-determination in the region.

The event revisited the tragic events of February 23, 1991, when soldiers from the 4th Rajputana Rifles of the Indian Army allegedly gang-raped nearly 100 women aged 12 to 60. Despite calls for justice, no free and fair investigation has been conducted, and the issue remains a point of contention in the Kashmiri freedom struggle.

Professor Shagufta Zareen, Principal of the college, inaugurated the seminar, urging the audience to become advocates for the victims. She criticized the lack of an impartial investigation and highlighted the contradiction between India’s democratic claims and its actions in Kashmir.

Professor Shazia Nasreen discussed international law, citing the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which classify sexual violence in conflict as a war crime. She also referenced United Nations Security Council Resolutions that recognize sexual violence as a weapon of war and call for accountability.

Other speakers, including Hafsa Naouman, Ayesha Zakir, Rifat Batool, and Momina Azia, condemned the atrocities and emphasized the need to keep the issue alive in academic and legal circles.

Dr. Waleed Rasool, Director of IDDS, underscored the use of oppression to suppress freedom struggles. He, along with other speakers, called for renewed international attention and an independent investigation into the Kunan Poshpora case to hold the perpetrators accountable under international law.