The Struggle of Families in IIOJK on International Day of Families

As the world commemorates the International Day of Families, the families in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to endure immense suffering and victimization. The harsh realities faced by these families highlight the ongoing human rights crisis in the region.

According to reports, this day, paints a melancholic picture of life in Jammu and Kashmir, the most militarized zone globally. Over the past many decades, the region has experienced widespread violence, including killings, enforced disappearances, torture, rapes, and other brutalities perpetrated by Indian forces.

The reports underscore that since 1990, more than 8,000 people have disappeared after being taken into custody by the Indian army, police, and paramilitary forces during cordon-and-search operations and house raids. Families of the disappeared continue to tirelessly seek their loved ones, often facing severe economic hardship as the primary breadwinners are frequently targeted. The relentless pursuit of justice by these families underscores their resilience and the severe impact of enforced disappearances on their lives.

Kashmiris of all ages and genders are subjected to merciless killings, torture, and humiliation for advocating for their right to self-determination. The region’s pervasive military presence has created an environment of fear and repression, where demanding freedom can lead to severe consequences.

Thousands of Kashmiris, including over three dozen women leaders, are detained illegally in Kashmir jails and the notorious Tihar Jail in India. These individuals are often imprisoned under draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Disturbed Areas Act, the Public Safety Act (PSA), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These laws are frequently used to suppress the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

In a statement from Srinagar, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, the spokesman for the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), expressed solidarity with the families of illegally detained Hurriyat leaders, activists, and youth. He highlighted the injustice faced by these individuals and called on the international community to support the victimized families in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

The reports and the statements from local leaders shed light on the continuous human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the global observation of the International Day of Families, the plight of Kashmiri families remains largely ignored. The international community’s attention and intervention are crucial to alleviating their suffering and addressing the longstanding conflict in the region.

The persistent struggle of Kashmiri families for justice and recognition highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the conflict. The world must acknowledge their plight and support efforts to bring peace and dignity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Only through sustained international pressure and dialogue can the aspirations of the Kashmiri people be realized, ensuring a future free from Indian oppression and violence.