Islamabad: On the International Day of Non-Violence, a stark contrast is drawn in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where, as per a new report, the Indian government continues its pattern of war crimes against the Kashmiri population. This day, meant to uphold peace and non-violence, underscores the ongoing violence endured by the residents of what has been described as the world’s most militarized zone.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report released in connection with the International Day of Non-Violence paints a grim picture of the human rights situation in the region. It documents numerous violations by Indian forces, including harassment, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings under severe and controversial laws. The report detailed that in September alone, Indian forces killed 17 Kashmiris, contributing to a total of 96,364 fatalities since January 1989.
The actions of the Indian authorities are labeled in the report as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes under international law. It calls for urgent international intervention to halt these violations, specifically urging entities such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and G-20 nations to take substantive action against the Indian military and the ruling Hindutva BJP/RSS government.
Further exacerbating concerns are statements from global organizations like Amnesty International and the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, which have condemned the ongoing human rights abuses. Pakistan continues to advocate for international mediation to address and resolve the longstanding conflict in the region.
The continuing crisis in Indian-administered Kashmir remains one of the most challenging human rights issues on the global stage, highlighting a significant disconnect between the observance of international days of peace and the realities on the ground.