Filming Kashmiri Women Without Consent: A Violation of Rights and Dignity

In recent years, an trend has emerged in the Iindian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where Indian outsiders are filming Kashmiri women without their consent, intensifying the trauma of an already oppressed population.

The situation of Kashmiri women under Indian occupation has long been a subject of grave concern, and now, the rise in incidents where Indian outsiders are secretly filming them without consent has further exacerbated this crisis. This alarming trend not only violates the privacy and dignity of these women but also highlights a larger issue of exploitation and voyeurism under Indian occupation. The emotional and psychological toll on the victims is immense, and the increasing incidents of such acts reflect the deep-rooted problems within both Indian society and its policies in IIOJK.

Filming women without their consent is not only a breach of basic human rights but also a violation under both international and Indian law. The impact on the victims is devastating. The trauma caused can manifest in a variety of forms, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a constant sense of vulnerability. These women often face social ostracism, public humiliation, and significant reputational damage. In a society already burdened by centuries of patriarchal control, the violation of Kashmiri women’s privacy by outsiders only deepens the emotional distress they endure.

For the victims of such voyeuristic acts, the repercussions are not just physical but also psychological. Many women in IIOJK, particularly those who are filmed without consent, experience profound feelings of helplessness and insecurity. The social stigma attached to being filmed in such a manner can lead to further marginalization and isolation, making it harder for victims to reclaim their sense of normalcy. As India’s reputation as one of the most dangerous countries for women grows, the situation in IIOJK stands as a stark reminder of the systemic oppression faced by women in conflict zones.

In the digital age, where social media and artificial intelligence (AI) play a significant role, the exploitation of women through illicit filming has taken on new dimensions. Videos of Kashmiri women can easily be shared, manipulated, and misused for ulterior motives. The rise of deepfake technology and other AI tools only makes it easier for perpetrators to exploit these women without facing immediate consequences. This trend underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and a cultural shift in how women’s bodies and privacy are respected in Indian society

Such incidents are not isolated but part of a disturbing pattern of voyeurism—a behavior where perpetrators derive sexual gratification from secretly recording women. This mindset, rooted in a highly male-dominated and ethically compromised society, reveals a deep-seated problem in Indian culture and its treatment of Kashmiri women. Many of these perpetrators view the women of IIOJK as objects for amusement and control rather than individuals with inherent dignity and right

The increasing presence of outsiders in IIOJK since 2019 has coincided with a rise in crimes against women. In 2024 alone, over 2,340 cases of crimes against women were registered in the region, with a disturbing number of these offenses being committed by outsiders. The unchecked flow of outsiders into the region under the guise of settlement policies and military presence is leading to a new form of conflict. This growing lawlessness has further exacerbated the already volatile situation, fueling anti-India sentiments and increasing hostility toward the occupying forces.

The recent rise in crimes against women in IIOJK, particularly those perpetrated by outsiders filming Kashmiri women without consent, is a new low in the long-standing history of trauma and injustice faced by the people of IIOJK. With an alarming increase in sexual exploitation and violations of women’s rights, this trend is bound to lead to more severe consequences, not only for the victims but also for the broader socio-political climate in the region. As India continues to treat Kashmiris as subjects under its colonial-like occupation, the people of IIOJK remain caught in an ever-deepening cycle of violence and oppression. It is crucial for the international community to recognize this escalating crisis and advocate for the dignity, rights, and safety of Kashmiri women.