SRINAGAR, The narrative of Jammu and Kashmir’s tumultuous history took a grave turn on October 27, 1947, when Indian troops made their entry into Srinagar. This act, which lacked any legitimate backing, marked the commencement of India’s occupation of the former princely state, which stood in direct opposition to the wishes of the Kashmiri populace.
According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, the subsequent seven decades have witnessed a sorrowful series of events, where the inhabitants of the occupied region experienced profound suffering. The Kashmiri lives have been overshadowed by episodes of violence, sorrow, and a relentless crusade of suppression initiated by the Indian military personnel.
In the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), around 900,000 Indian troops maintain a dominant presence. This military footprint has resulted in the mushrooming of cantonments throughout, rendering the local community’s existence akin to a continuous state of confinement. The ordinary task of commuting from one location to another becomes daunting for Kashmiris, as they confront multiple checkpoints. Their non-violent demonstrations haven’t been devoid of consequences, with many falling victim to bullets, pellet injuries, and tear gas attacks. Numerous youth, both boys and girls, have been left visually impaired due to pellet-inflicted wounds.
The distressing statistics from IIOJK reveal that upwards of 96,240 Kashmiris, inclusive of 7,155 held in detention, have lost their lives. Consequently, this has left behind over 22,960 widows and 107,910 orphaned children. Over 11,250 Muslim women have faced atrocities, and more than 8,000 Kashmiris have vanished under mysterious circumstances.
As each day unfolds, the region echoes with tales of anguish, cries of pain, and startling reports of abuse, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The Indian military personnel, shielded by severe laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Public Safety Act (PSA), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), persistently violate human rights without repercussions.
The situation involving Muzammil Manzoor War, a 25-year-old from the Dangerpora region of Baramulla, underscores the degree of retribution the Kashmiris endure. Apprehended on February 22, 2020, on unsubstantiated allegations of possessing explosives, the IIOJK High Court later quashed the PSA directive against War and decreed his release. Nonetheless, he continued to be imprisoned due to UAPA allegations that painted him as a menace to India’s “security and sovereignty.” His predicament isn’t unique, as countless Kashmiris face prolonged detentions under these stringent regulations. Cases have emerged where individuals languished under the UAPA for approximately two years, only to be subsequently exonerated by the judiciary, highlighting the groundless nature of the accusations. The tale of War underscores the ongoing injustice and hardship prevalent in the area.