International Protests in Brussels and London Urge Global Action Against India’s Illegal Occupation and Atrocities

On India’s Independence Day, a protest was held outside the Indian Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, denouncing India’s illegal occupation and human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Organized by the Kashmir Council Europe, the demonstration called for global action to address the ongoing repression faced by Kashmiris and demanded the release of political detainees, including Yasin Malik.

Kashmir Council Europe Leads the Protest

The protest was led by Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe, who condemned India’s continued occupation and the extrajudicial killings of Kashmiri youth. The protesters carried placards featuring images of imprisoned Kashmiri leaders like Yasin Malik and Shabbir Ahmad Shah. Syed highlighted India’s efforts to change the region’s demographic makeup and stressed the need for international intervention to halt India’s illegal actions.

Global Solidarity with Kashmir

The protest saw significant participation from Kashmiri and Pakistani expatriates, as well as international supporters of the Kashmir cause. The solidarity displayed by Kashmiris abroad reflects their continued commitment to the Kashmir struggle, with the diaspora serving as an important voice in global advocacy for Kashmiri rights. Protesters called for the international community to recognize the urgency of the situation and demand action against India’s human rights violations.

Demand for International Accountability

Ali Raza Syed and other speakers emphasized the need for the international community to hold India accountable for its actions in IIOJK. Despite years of documented abuses, India has faced little meaningful international pressure. The protest was a call for stronger global action, demanding that international bodies like the United Nations take a firm stance against India’s continued repression in Kashmir.

Highlighting Ongoing Violations in IIOJK

The protestors condemned India’s ongoing extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions. They pointed out India’s efforts to alter the region’s demographic makeup by settling non-Kashmiris in IIOJK. These actions, they argued, are part of India’s broader agenda to dilute the Kashmiri identity and undermine their right to self-determination. The protesters called for an end to these violations and for the restoration of Kashmiri political autonomy.

Struggle for Kashmiri Self-Determination

At the core of the protest was the demand for the restoration of Kashmir’s special status, which was revoked by India in 2019. The removal of Article 370, which granted IIOJK a degree of autonomy, was condemned for further marginalizing the Kashmiri people. Protesters stressed that the right to self-determination for Kashmiris, as enshrined in international law, must be respected. The protest highlighted the need for India to restore Kashmiri autonomy and engage in a peaceful dialogue with the Kashmiri people.

Role of Human Rights Organizations

The protest also called for increased action from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have documented India’s human rights violations in IIOJK. Despite their efforts, these organizations have seen little impact on India’s policies. The protestors urged these groups to intensify their calls for action and press the international community to hold India accountable for its actions.

Solidarity with Other Struggles for Justice

While the protest focused on Kashmir, it also expressed solidarity with other global struggles, particularly in Palestine. Many speakers drew connections between the oppression faced by Kashmiris and other oppressed groups worldwide, emphasizing the shared struggle against occupation and injustice. This cross-regional solidarity underscored the global nature of the fight for human rights and justice.

Protests in London Demand Justice for Kashmir

In London, another protest organized by the South Asia Solidarity Group condemned the persecution of minorities in India, including the targeting of Bengali Muslims and the revocation of Article 370 in IIOJK. The protest highlighted the rise of Hindutva-driven policies under the Modi government, which have led to widespread violence against Muslims and other minorities. Protesters also called for an end to India’s discriminatory policies and demanded justice for Kashmiris.

Urgency for Global Action

With the situation in IIOJK worsening, the need for immediate international action is critical. The protests in Brussels and London have highlighted the growing international frustration with India’s actions in Kashmir. The world must not remain passive as India continues its oppressive policies. Governments and international organizations must increase pressure on India to halt its human rights violations and restore Kashmiri autonomy.

A Call for Global Accountability

The protests in Brussels and London serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Kashmiris under Indian occupation. The demand for justice for Kashmiris and an end to India’s illegal actions in IIOJK is more urgent than ever. The international community must recognize the gravity of the situation and take action to hold India accountable for its violations of international law and human rights.

Conclusion

The protests outside the Indian Embassy in Brussels and in London highlight the ongoing international concern about India’s treatment of Kashmiris and minorities within its borders. The global solidarity shown by the diaspora and international supporters is crucial in keeping the Kashmir issue alive on the world stage. The call for justice and self-determination for the Kashmiri people must be answered by the international community through decisive action. The time for change is now before the situation deteriorates further.