‘India’s Efforts to Erase Kashmiri Muslim Identity in IIOJK Must Be Stopped’

Can a nation’s identity be erased through force? The ongoing suppression of Kashmiri Muslims in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) demands urgent world attention.

Abdul Rashid Turabi, the former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Adviser to the Ameer JI Pakistan on Kashmir Affairs, has accused India of using oppressive tactics to eliminate the cultural and religious identity of Kashmiri Muslims in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

During his visit to Qatar, Turabi met with influential figures and delegations to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis in IIOJK. He held an in-depth discussion with Dr. Ali Mohiuddin Qaradaghi, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, and acknowledged his unwavering support for the Palestinian and Kashmiri causes. Turabi praised Dr. Qaradaghi’s efforts in advocating for the right to self-determination of Kashmiri Muslims.

In his meeting, Turabi provided a detailed briefing on the deteriorating situation in IIOJK. He explained that India is systematically working to suppress the identity of Kashmiri Muslims by targeting pro-freedom organizations such as Jamaat-e-Islami. He highlighted that the Indian government has not only imposed a ban on Jamaat-e-Islami but has also confiscated its affiliated institutions and properties. This campaign of suppression, he noted, is aimed at dismantling any form of resistance against Indian rule in the region.

Turabi further revealed that thousands of members of Jamaat-e-Islami, including its leadership and political activists, are currently imprisoned in different jails across IIOJK and India. Alongside them, thousands of civilians have been unjustly detained, facing inhumane conditions without fair trials. He condemned these acts as blatant human rights violations and called upon international organizations to take immediate action.

He stressed that the situation in IIOJK is not just a political conflict but a grave humanitarian crisis. The international community, particularly Muslim-majority countries, must recognize the urgency of the issue and raise their voices against India’s oppressive policies in the region. He urged global leaders, human rights organizations, and Muslim scholars to stand in solidarity with the Kashmiri people and pressure India to halt its aggressive actions.

Turabi’s visit to Qatar was part of a broader effort to strengthen international awareness and support for the Kashmiri cause. He emphasized that the struggle for Kashmir’s freedom is not just a regional issue but a test of global justice and human rights. He concluded by calling for a united response to protect the cultural and religious identity of Kashmiri Muslims and ensure their right to self-determination.