Special Reports: 22,983 women widowed in IIOJK since 1989

As the world is observing the International Widows Day, today, Kashmiri women continue to suffer at the hands of Indian forces’ personnel and dreaded agencies in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Unabated Indian state terrorism rendered 22,983 women widowed since January 1989 till date as their husbands were martyred by Indian troops and police personnel in fake encounters and custody.

It said around 2500 women have been forced to live as half widows during the past 37 years in the disputed territory. The women whose husbands were subjected to custodial disappearance after arrest by Indian army and police are referred to as half widows and many of these women died due to mental tension.

The day is a stark reminder of the forgotten grief of Kashmiri widows & half-widows as world must not forget the trauma Kashmiri widows and half-widows are enduring in the territory.

According the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons and other human rights groups in IIOJK, around 8,000 civilians have disappeared in the custody of Indian troops and police personnel since 1989, it said. For years, half widows in IIOJK have been running from one Indian army or paramilitary camp to another trying to find whereabouts of their husbands, it added.

The report maintained that 688 women have been martyred by the forces’ personnel since January 2001 till date. It pointed out that womenfolk constitute the majority of the Kashmiris suffering from multiple psychic problems and mental torture. As per report in April 2024, in total, 11.3% of adult population suffers from mental illness in the valley. As compared to males (8.4%), females had a higher prevalence (12.9%).

Additionally, 70% of distress calls seeking mental health care are from women in the territory. A mental health helpline in Srinagar has revealed after evaluating several patients that women of occupied Jammu and Kashmir are much more like to suffer from mental health issues than men. They have revealed that 70% of the calls received by their helpline are by women in distress. Kashmir has always been a conflicted area and its people have constantly beard the consequences. In a land where life is already difficult, having huge Indian army presence, house raids, cordon and search operation, arresting of youth, destruction and attachment of properties by Indian forces under BJP regime, the Kashmir women have regularly and silently suffered from decade due this occupation.

The Kashmir Valley grapples with a higher prevalence of mental health issues compared to the global average, a situation attributed to various factors, including conflict, climatic conditions, and economic challenges, doctors said. Despite these challenges, approximately 85 percent of the population maintains a healthy lifestyle, said Dr Mansoor Ahmad, Head of Psychiatry at GMC Islamabad.

He emphasised the moral responsibility of the community in recognising the signs of mental distress, particularly suicidal thoughts, and extending positive support networks. He also highlighted the alarming rise in drug abuse, especially among the youth, urging immediate action to prevent the ruinous impact on lives and careers. “Drug abuse is becoming a serious issue of social concern during current times,” Dr Mansoor said, adding, “The menace is ruining the lives and careers of our youth and it is high time to act now.”

According to Zoya Mir, a clinical psychologist in Srinagar, physical illness takes priority for many people. Mental illness is not visible in the same way, so it is difficult to understand it. “Stigma is attached to mental illness. Someone visiting a psychiatrist is considered crazy, which is why not many people even speak about it,” Mir said.

The report said the Kashmiri women are targeted for raising their voice against Indian brutalities. Dozens of women including aged Kashmiri women leader, Aasiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi, Naheeda Nasreen and others are languishing in different jails of India and IIOJK from years for their affiliation with the justice, peace and their true political demand of right to self-determination, it said. The report underscored that the International Widows Day is a reminder for the world to realize the plight of Kashmiri widows and half-widows

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas in a statement in Srinagar said that the world is observing International Widows Day, today, while Kashmiri women are oppressed by the Indian forces in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said world must break its silence on India’s enforced disappearances and atrocities and their impact on Kashmiri women.