A Tale of False Claims of Normalcy in IIOJK

As the oppressive Indian regime continues to tighten its grip on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) is calling out the farcical claims of “normalcy.” This so-called stability is a thin veneer hiding the bloodshed and suffering that persist under Modi’s authoritarian rule.

In a recent statement from Srinagar, DFP spokesman Advocate Arshad Iqbal voiced deep concern over the relentless violence against innocent civilians. He noted, “The situation in the territory has worsened, especially after the recent elections, which the Modi regime touted as a solution to the Kashmir problem.” These elections were supposed to bring hope but instead exacerbated the already dire conditions.

Iqbal highlighted that the aftermath of these elections has seen a stark increase in human rights violations. The Indian forces are not just enforcing laws; they are engaging in brutal tactics, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Young people are particularly at risk, often subjected to harassment during brutal cordon-and-search operations.

The methods employed by Indian troops reveal a disturbing trend: torture, rape, and fabricated encounters are now standard practices used to crush the Kashmiri people’s quest for self-determination. These tactics are not merely byproducts of conflict but are systematic attempts to instill fear and suppress dissent.

The DFP is calling on international human rights organizations to take immediate action. The ongoing brutality against Kashmiris demands urgent attention. With over a million Indian troops stationed in the region, their presence serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive oppression facing the Kashmiri population.

Furthermore, the continued detention of Hurriyat leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists is a grim testament to the regime’s authoritarian tactics. Many of these individuals have been languishing in custody since the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, a date that marked a turning point in the struggle for Kashmir’s autonomy.

Iqbal made it clear that Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute. The only path to lasting peace in the region is through a resolution that respects the wishes of the Kashmiri people, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

The right to self-determination must be upheld, or the cycle of violence will continue unabated. Until the international community acknowledges these atrocities, the illusion of normalcy will persist, further entrenching the suffering of the Kashmiri people. The time for action is now; the world must not turn a blind eye to the ongoing oppression in IIOJK.