Another Year of Unrelenting Violence and Oppression in IIOJK Came to an End

2024 has been marked by bloodshed and resilience in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian troops maintained their oppressive grip on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) throughout 2024, leading to the deaths of 101 innocent Kashmiris. Among the martyrs were three young boys, tragically caught in the violence that has engulfed the region. Six non-Muslims also lost their lives, with five perishing in police custody and one killed by Border Security Force firing. In separate incidents, a woman was killed by mortar shelling in Jammu, Reasi, and Samba.

The violence left eight women widowed and 24 children orphaned. Two women were victims of sexual assault by Indian forces. In addition to personal tragedies, 12 residential houses were reduced to rubble. Excessive force injured 67 people during protests, leaving a scar on the community. Mass arrests, totaling 3,492 individuals, included Hurriyat leaders, activists, lawyers, and students. Prominent figures such as Mushtaq-ul-Islam and Dr. Hameed Fayaz were among those detained under harsh laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Over 5,000 detainees, including Masarrat Aalam Butt and human rights advocate Khurram Parvaiz, remain in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail under dubious charges. Numerous political prisoners endure confinement under repressive conditions. Figures like Bilal Siddiqi and journalist Majid Hyderi continue to languish behind bars in various jails across the region.

Religious restrictions intensified, with prayers banned during major Islamic events such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Jumat-ul-Wida at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid. In December alone, six Kashmiris fell victim to staged encounters, while 66 more were arrested. Since the 2019 revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, 955 Kashmiris have been martyred.

The past 36 years have seen 96,388 Kashmiris killed, reflecting the enduring cost of occupation. Economic warfare continues as Indian authorities seize properties, attempting to suppress the population’s spirit. In 2024, 183 properties were confiscated. The targeting of Muslim government employees further highlights systemic discrimination, with 51 terminations occurring over political beliefs.

Unemployment remains a pressing issue, with rates soaring to 32% among urban youth aged 15-29. Female unemployment has hit 48.6%, affecting approximately 25 lakh young people. This crisis is fueled by recruitment scams and economic instability. Cordon-and-search operations persist, marked by harassment, abuse, and destruction.

The 2025 holiday list excludes important local commemorations, such as July 13 Martyrs’ Day, exposing the lack of power held by the National Conference-led government. The omission of Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary underscores the growing influence of New Delhi’s administration.

Indian forces face their own internal struggles, with 25 personnel committing suicide in 2024 alone. Since 2007, 614 suicides have been reported among occupation troops, attributed to mental stress, low morale, and the realization of fighting a futile war against an unyielding population.

IIOJK remains a land under siege, burdened by tragedy and resistance. The ongoing struggle reflects the unwavering desire of Kashmiris to seek justice and self-determination.