India’s Modern Slavery in Kashmir: The Brutal Oppression of Kashmiris

India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir has subjected the Kashmiri people to an ongoing campaign of modern-day slavery. Despite international calls for justice, India continues to treat Kashmiris as subjugated slaves, denying them basic rights and freedoms. A recent report by Kashmir Media Service reveals the systemic oppression faced by Kashmiris, who are exploited under India’s repressive policies and military control.

Kashmiris as Slaves Under Indian Rule

The Kashmiri people have endured centuries of oppression, first under the Dogra rule and now under Indian occupation since 1947. With the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, the exploitation has worsened, with Kashmiris forced into labor under harsh conditions. The situation is akin to modern-day slavery, where Kashmiris work without fair wages, basic rights, or freedom.

♦ Forced Labor Under Indian Occupation: Kashmiris are forced to work for the Indian military under exploitative conditions.
♦ Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A: The revocation of these articles has intensified the exploitation of Kashmiris.
♦ Modern-Day Slavery: The Indian government treats Kashmiris as slaves, stripping them of their rights.

India’s actions in Kashmir reflect a colonial mindset, where the Kashmiri population is treated as property to be exploited for the benefit of the Indian state.

Military’s Destruction of Kashmir’s Economy

The presence of the Indian military in Kashmir has devastated the local economy, disrupting agriculture, businesses, and social life. Kashmiris face widespread poverty as the military continues to dominate every aspect of life. The region’s economic destruction is a deliberate effort by India to control and suppress the Kashmiri people, making them dependent on Indian authority.

♦ Economic Collapse: The military presence has destroyed businesses and agriculture, pushing Kashmiris into poverty.
♦ Psychological Impact: The constant threat of violence has left Kashmiris in despair, facing depression and fear.
♦ State-Sponsored Terrorism: The military operates with impunity, terrorizing the population to maintain control.

India’s military is not only an occupying force but also an instrument of economic destruction, ensuring that Kashmiris remain subjugated and dependent on the Indian state.

Molestation and Forced Labor in Kashmir

Kashmiri women have been particularly vulnerable to molestation at the hands of Indian forces. During military operations, sexual exploitation has been used as a tool of control and humiliation. Along with this, forced labor, arbitrary detentions, and raids have become common, stripping Kashmiris of their basic dignity and rights.

♦ Sexual Violence as Control: Sexual exploitation is used as a weapon by Indian forces to maintain control over Kashmiris.
♦ Cordon and Search Operations: These operations result in forced labor and arbitrary arrests, further violating human rights.
♦ Impunity for Abuses: Indian forces operate without accountability, continuing these abuses unchecked.

The sexual exploitation of women and the forced labor imposed on Kashmiris are stark violations of human rights, further highlighting the dehumanizing nature of India’s occupation.

Political Suppression in Kashmir

Kashmiri political leaders have voiced frustration over the power imbalance in the region, with real authority lying not with local elected representatives but with the Indian-appointed Lieutenant Governor (LG). The central government’s interference has made the local government in Kashmir powerless, leaving Kashmiri leaders unable to make meaningful decisions for their people.

♦ Power in the Hands of the LG: The Lieutenant Governor holds all real power in Kashmir, not the local government.
♦ Political Powerlessness: Kashmiri leaders are effectively powerless, as decisions are made in New Delhi.
♦ Political Suppression: The local government is undermined by the central government, further suppressing Kashmiri political autonomy.

The political system in Kashmir is a mere façade, with the true power residing with New Delhi. This political suppression only deepens the sense of helplessness among Kashmiris.

India’s Flagrant Disregard for International Law

India continues to violate international laws by denying Kashmiris their right to self-determination. Despite United Nations resolutions calling for a plebiscite, India refuses to allow Kashmiris to decide their future. The international community’s failure to act allows India to continue its brutal occupation without consequence.

♦ Violation of UN Resolutions: India ignores international calls for a plebiscite in Kashmir, denying Kashmiris their fundamental right.
♦ Global Inaction: The international community’s silence has allowed India to perpetuate its occupation.
♦ India’s Defiance of International Law: India continues to defy international laws, violating human rights with impunity.

India’s refusal to honor international resolutions only reinforces its illegal occupation of Kashmir, further depriving Kashmiris of their rights.

Hindutva’s Role in Kashmir’s Oppression

Under the BJP government, the RSS-backed Hindutva agenda has been imposed in Kashmir, aiming to alter the region’s demographic makeup and suppress its Muslim majority. The BJP has pushed policies that marginalize Kashmiri Muslims, turning the region into a battleground for Hindu nationalism. This religious agenda has led to increased violence and discrimination against the Kashmiri Muslim population.

♦ Imposition of Hindutva: The RSS-backed BJP government is forcing a Hindu nationalist agenda in Kashmir.
♦ Demographic Manipulation: Efforts are underway to change Kashmir’s demographic balance in favor of Hindus.
♦ Targeting Kashmiri Muslims: Muslims in Kashmir are being discriminated against and oppressed under the Hindutva agenda.

The rise of Hindutva in Kashmir is an attempt to erase the region’s Muslim identity, replacing it with Hindu nationalism. This political agenda has further marginalized Kashmiri Muslims, who are now under attack from both Indian forces and the state apparatus.

India’s Continued Oppression of Kashmir

India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is a grave violation of international law and human rights. The brutal exploitation of Kashmiris, from forced labor to sexual violence, must be condemned by the global community. The time for action is now – the world must intervene to end India’s oppressive rule in Kashmir and allow the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination.