The Untold Suffering of Kashmiri Women Under Indian Occupation

While the world celebrates International Women’s Day in March, the women of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) endure oppression, violence, and injustice that remain overlooked by the global community.

Every year, March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a time to honor women’s achievements and advocate for their rights. However, for the women of IIOJK, this day serves as a grim reminder of their continued suffering under Indian military occupation. Systematic oppression, sexual violence, unlawful detentions, and denial of legal aid paint a stark contrast to the global commitment toward women’s rights as outlined in international treaties.

The international community continues to ignore the plight of Kashmiri women, particularly those subjected to state violence in IIOJK. One of the most horrific instances of this oppression was the Kunan Poshpora mass rape of 1991, where nearly 100 women were assaulted by Indian forces. Despite multiple reports by human rights organizations, justice remains elusive. This grave atrocity stands in violation of numerous international laws, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits sexual violence in conflict zones, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Additionally, UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 emphasize the need to protect women in conflict areas, yet Indian authorities continue to deny justice to the victims, reinforcing a culture of state-sanctioned impunity.

Beyond sexual violence, Kashmiri women also face illegal imprisonment. Thirteen prominent women, including Asiya Andrabi, Naheeda Nasreen, and Fehmeeda Sofi, are held in Tihar Jail under draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA). These laws deny them a fair trial, violating Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which safeguard the right to legal representation.

Conditions inside Indian prisons further compound their suffering. Reports indicate that Asiya Andrabi and Fehmeeda Sofi suffer from severe health issues yet are denied medical treatment. The Nelson Mandela Rules, which set UN standards for prisoner treatment, mandate access to medical care, but Indian authorities continue to disregard these principles. Additionally, many Kashmiri women prisoners remain isolated from their families, intensifying their psychological distress. The pain extends to thousands of Kashmiri women whose loved ones—husbands, sons, fathers—are imprisoned in faraway jails, often without trial. Families undertaking long, arduous journeys are frequently denied visitation rights, violating basic human dignity and international legal standards.

Despite clear violations of international human rights laws, Geneva Conventions, and UN resolutions, the global response remains muted. Organizations such as Amnesty International and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) have documented these abuses, yet meaningful action against India remains absent. This silence exposes the selective approach of global institutions that claim to champion women’s rights but fail to address the suffering of Kashmiri women.

International Women’s Day should not only celebrate achievements but also shine a light on oppressed women in conflict zones like IIOJK. While women around the world commemorate progress, Kashmiri women continue to endure gender-based violence, unlawful detentions, and dire prison conditions. Their struggle demands global attention and urgent action to hold India accountable. Failing to address these human rights violations not only undermines international law but also reveals the hypocrisy of institutions that selectively advocate for women’s rights.

Women worldwide, particularly those from the Kashmiri diaspora, as well as activists working within UN bodies, must amplify the voices of their Kashmiri sisters. It is their responsibility to advocate for those who remain under illegal occupation, deprived of fundamental freedoms and enduring immense suffering. By raising awareness and pushing for justice, they can help bring global attention to the plight of Kashmiri women and work toward a future free from oppression.