Chains of Silence: The Unheard Cries of Kashmir on Human Rights Day
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or UDHR, is the document that has been translated the most throughout human history. There are 577 different languages available for the document. However, this has different meanings for people in Palestine and Kashmir than it does for those in Finland and Norway. The people of Finland and Norway view it as a significant human accomplishment and a step toward equality and freedom. However, Palestinians and Kashmiris feel this document as something being tossed out and dispensed with. Why would people in chains of oppression be delighted about the words like freedom of expression? While criminals of humanity are greeted with open arms on the stage made of human bones, those who do not receive justice can only watch with sadness and despair as animals, such as dogs, are put on trial and abusers of dogs are punished for simply delaying food.
The Declaration of Human Rights, issued by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, guarantees fundamental liberties to all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or social status. It outlines the universal protection of human rights and aims to create a more equitable, peaceful, and livable world. This day focuses on the importance of human rights as a means to achieve solutions and serve as a key force for prevention, protection, and constructive transformation.
Kashmir, a disputed territory in South Asia, is enriched with history, culture and natural resources. There is also a long list of Human Rights abuse and violation starting from Dogra Raj and not ending during the occupation of Indian forces. Under the banner of Hindutva, RSS has launched a large scale campaign to eradicate Muslims from India. The movements of Shuddhi and Sanghatan originated in early 1900 have taken their modern shape to make India free of Muslims.
The barbarism and ruthlessness of India reached its peak when Article 370 and 35-A were abrogated by Indian parliament, removing the special status of Kashmir, allowing local Indians to buy Kashmir’s land and the IIOJK coming directly under Delhi rule. The implementation of curfews, enforced disappearances, and population torture left IIOJK in ruins once more.
A report was published by Legal forum for Kashmir which analysis the human rights abuses in Indian Illegal occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the first half of 2024. The region recorded 72 killings across Kashmir including 19 civilians and 30 freedom fighters. 133 people were injured in 32 gunfights across valley. Nearly 4,000 people were forcefully arrested by the occupying forces, including journalists, lawyers, separatist leaders, political party supporters, and those who were suspected of having a history of taking part in public protests. Serious claims of torture and abuse have been made. Many prisoners are prohibited from contacting their attorneys or relatives. The Draconian Law resulted in the arbitrary arrest of 108 Kashmiris. The Indian police and authorities conducted 37 raids regarding property seizure and suspension of properties.
According to the “Kashmir Media Service,” more than 12,000 women, ranging in age from 11 to 60, were raped by security forces between 1989 and 2024. Punishments are minimal when cases are investigated and accused officers are found guilty because the case details are never disclosed to the public and the maximum penalty is suspension. This shows how Indian Army uses Rape as a systematic tool to oppress women and try to mute their families.
According to Asiya, a family member of a 62-year-old Kashmiri political prisoner, “The heat of Tihar (jail) is causing our people’s skin to peel off.” To stay alive, they place wet towels on their heads. You are not permitted to turn off high-voltage bulbs that are left on all day and produce extra heat.
Between August 4 and 5, the Indian government shut down all forms of communication, including private broadband internet services, government-owned telephone networks, and mobile phone networks. This was the Valley’s fifty-fifth communication shutdown. One of the longest internet shutdowns in history came to an end when high-speed 4G mobile internet services were eventually reinstated throughout the region after over 550 days.
Today Kashmir is the most militarized zone in the world. Approximately 1,000,000 soldiers are deployed in the region. Kashmiris are denied the right to self-determination. Over a dozen resolutions have been passed in UN for the plebiscite in the region, but none implemented. Article 6 of the ICCPR prohibits the violation of the right to life under all circumstances, and Articles 4 and 7 of the ICCPR prohibit torturing anyone, even during periods of increased security. The Indian military has the authority to shoot at sight and hold them without a warrant or trial thanks to harsh laws like the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). These laws violate fundamental human rights and international standards that India has both ratified and signed. The stories of extra-judicial killings, fake encounters and ethnic cleansing are much more painful. Based on available data, there have been 43642 recorded killings of civilians and freedom fighters between 1988 and 2019, which is a significant number. Article 19 of the UDHR gives every person freedom of speech, but for Kashmiris it is like holding on to an unattainable dream. Kashmiris living in the IIOJK are not allowed to hold protests in favor of Pakistan. They cannot hold rallies against the oppressive regime. Protestors are brutally beaten by police and Army if they express their political opinion. The religion of Muslims is also targeted by Hindutva supporters. Masjids are closed, ‘Eid prayers are banned and even Jamia Mosque is sealed to stop Muslims from praying Jumma prayer.
The question rises what’s the point of having all these laws if cannot be implemented? And this is not some remote area in Africa or Siberia. The civil society has to raise our voices for the oppressed Kashmiris. How can we sleep peacefully at night knowing a man, when he leaves his house for everyday business on the roads of Kashmir does not know whether he will be able to see his family at night or not? Let us not forget the struggle of Kashmiris and stand by them in their pursuit of peaceful existence and justice. Kashmir’s liberation struggle is the bridge of hope for the oppressed everywhere and we need to stand for their brave resistance.
The writer, Muhammad Abdullah Shah, is an intern at YFK and a BS International Relations student at IIUI.
- Kashmir’s Cry for Justice on Human Rights Day - December 23, 2024
- Chains of Silence: The Unheard Cries of Kashmir on Human Rights Day - December 23, 2024
- A History of Injustice: The Genesis of Kashmir’s Crisis - October 28, 2024
