India’s State Terrorism in IIOJK: Five Kashmiri Youth Martyred in Kulgam
December 19, 2024India’s ruthless state terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir fuels the unyielding resolve of a people fighting for freedom.
Indian forces continue their reign of terror in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), ruthlessly targeting innocent lives under the guise of military operations. In the latest incident, five Kashmiri youth were martyred during a brutal cordon-and-search operation in the Kellam area of Kulgam district on Sunday. This heinous act, carried out by the Indian Army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force, and the Special Operations Group, highlights the unrelenting state violence in the region.
Adding to the trauma, authorities suspended mobile phone and internet services across the district, cutting off communication and information flow. Train services in South Kashmir were also halted, deepening the isolation of the oppressed populace. Dozens of protesters in Kellam village suffered pellet injuries as Indian troops unleashed indiscriminate violence on civilians. Such acts of aggression reveal India’s blatant disregard for human rights and international law.
As the atrocities continue, Kashmiris prepare to observe the 35th martyrdom anniversary of Muhammad Maqbool Butt, a revered freedom leader who was hanged in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984. Butt’s execution, and the refusal to return his mortal remains for burial in his homeland, underscores India’s inhumane policies aimed at silencing voices of dissent. Alongside Maqbool Butt, the case of Afzal Guru, another martyr buried within Tihar Jail, stands as a testament to India’s oppressive tactics.
To honor these freedom icons, seminars, rallies, and protests are planned across both sides of the Line of Control. Kashmiris remain steadfast in their demand for the return of Maqbool Butt’s and Afzal Guru’s remains, emphasizing their right to a dignified burial. These demonstrations also symbolize the unwavering resolve of the Kashmiri people to continue their struggle for self-determination, despite decades of repression.
The international community’s silence on India’s actions in IIOJK raises serious concerns about global accountability. The unending cycle of killings, communication blackouts, and systemic violence is an affront to the basic principles of human rights and justice. It is imperative for global powers to recognize these atrocities and intervene to ensure the protection of IIOJK’s oppressed people.
India’s state terrorism in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is not just a regional issue—it is a dark blot on humanity’s conscience. The martyrdom of innocent youth, the violent suppression of protesters, and the denial of justice to freedom fighters like Maqbool Butt and Afzal Guru demand urgent attention. The Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination will not be extinguished by bullets and bans; it will only grow stronger, fueled by the sacrifices of its martyrs.