Indian State Terrorism in IIOJK: 33 Martyred and Thousands Detained in First Half of 2024

Indian troops have continued their relentless acts of state terrorism in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), martyring 33 Kashmiris from January to June this year. Among the victims, 16 youths were killed in fake encounters or while in custody of Indian forces.

In the past six months, 2,589 people, including prominent figures such as Hurriyat leader Firdous Ahmed Shah and former president of the occupied Kashmir High Court Bar Association Mian Abdul Qayoom, have been arrested. The crackdown has extended to the destruction of at least six houses and structures, with troops using chemical substances during cordon and search operations.

Additionally, religious freedoms have been severely curtailed. Congregational Friday prayers on Jumat-ul-Wida and Eid prayers were not allowed in the historic Jamia Masjid or Eidgah in Srinagar, highlighting the oppressive measures imposed on the local population.

The situation for political prisoners and activists is dire. Thousands of Kashmiris, including prominent Hurriyat leaders and activists, remain imprisoned in various jails across India and IIOJK.

Most of the detainees have been transferred to far-flung jails in India, exacerbating their isolation and the hardship faced by their families. This widespread detention of political figures, activists, and civilians underscores the harsh tactics employed by Indian authorities to stifle dissent and suppress the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.

The human rights violations in IIOJK have drawn international condemnation, yet the Indian government’s policies remain unchanged. The ongoing state terrorism not only perpetuates the cycle of violence and repression but also undermines the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict.

To conclude, the first half of 2024 has seen a continued escalation of state terrorism in IIOJK, with numerous lives lost, widespread arrests, and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms. The plight of the Kashmiri people calls for urgent international attention and action to address these grave injustices and to support their right to self-determination.