Bloodshed and Oppression: 933 Kashmiris Martyred under President’s Rule in IIOJK

Since August 5, 2019, when India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government imposed President’s Rule in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the region has witnessed horrific violence.

A huge number of 933 Kashmiris have been martyred, including 17 women and 31 young boys. This period, spanning from October 31, 2019, to October 13, 2024, is stained with extreme human rights violations.

These abuses include a sharp rise in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture. The reports indicate that 240 individuals perished in fake encounters or while in police custody.

The Indian authorities stand accused of targeting civilians, medical facilities, and schools, all clear violations of international humanitarian law. Such actions reveal a systemic campaign of oppression.

Out of the 933 victims, 240 were murdered in staged encounters or died in custody. Senior Hurriyat leaders like Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai and Altaf Ahmed Shah were among those killed.

Many young men were arrested from their homes, falsely labeled as militants, and subsequently eliminated. Most of these individuals were charged under draconian laws like the Public Safety Act.

The crackdown extended to mass arrests. Thousands of Hurriyat leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens remain imprisoned in Indian and IIOJK jails. Prominent detainees include APHC chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt and human rights advocate Khurram Parvez.

Press freedom has also been severely curtailed. The BJP’s media policy, introduced in 2020, stifles the flow of information. Journalists now face detention and harassment, creating an environment of fear.

The demographic landscape is changing drastically. India has issued domicile certificates to thousands of non-Kashmiri migrants, aiming to dilute the Muslim-majority status of the region. Properties of pro-freedom leaders are being seized, and constituencies are being reconfigured to favor Hindu interests.

Despite this brutal oppression, Kashmiris remain resolute in their struggle for rights, including the demand for a plebiscite. They refuse to be silenced, and their determination is a testament to their enduring spirit.

The international community must take notice of India’s actions. There is an urgent need to advocate for a resolution aligned with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.

Recent developments are alarming. This year alone, Indian troops have martyred 79 Kashmiris, with 39 deaths resulting from fake encounters. Over 4,000 individuals were arrested during violent cordon-and-search operations.

Although President’s Rule was lifted on October 13, 2024, the legacy of human rights abuses and systemic repression continues to loom large. The situation in Kashmir is dire, and the world cannot afford to ignore it any longer. Immediate action is necessary to hold India accountable for its crimes and to support the Kashmiri people in their fight for justice and autonomy.