Islamabad: Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s assertions of stability in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following the revocation of Article 370 are at odds with the ongoing conditions in the region.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, during an interaction with Kashmiri youth in New Delhi, Shah claimed that violence in IIOJK has decreased by over 80 percent since Article 370 was abrogated. However, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise, with continued military presence and increased human rights violations reported.
Since India’s actions in August 2019, IIOJK has seen persistent military operations involving over a million Indian forces. Reports indicate a rise in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and raids, contradicting the claims of a peaceful environment. Instead of stability, Kashmiris face increased repression under stringent laws designed to suppress dissent.
Recent incidents, including the killings of two civilians in Baramulla and Kathua districts, further highlight the ongoing human rights abuses. Truck driver Waseem Majeed was killed by Indian troops in Baramulla, while Makhan Din was reportedly tortured to death in custody in Kathua. These events are part of a broader pattern of extrajudicial actions in the region.
Since the revocation of Article 370, Indian forces have been accused of killing 966 Kashmiris, with many deaths occurring in custody. Additionally, 25,628 Kashmiris have been arrested, often under draconian laws, prolonging their detention without fair trial.
These developments challenge Amit Shah’s narrative of “normalcy” in IIOJK. The situation continues to worsen under the Modi government’s approach, exacerbating the hardships faced by Kashmiris.
The Indian government’s portrayal of normalcy is seen as an attempt to mislead the international community. However, the resolution of the Kashmir conflict, and the peace in South Asia, depend on acknowledging the rights of the Kashmiri people as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions.