The region of Kashmir has been marred by a protracted series of devastating events that have resulted in the loss of countless lives and immense suffering for its inhabitants. India, a self-proclaimed democracy, has been implicated in what can only be described as the worst series of genocide in Kashmir’s history. This article sheds light on the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for global attention and intervention.
Mounting Casualties and Suffering: According to reliable sources such as the Kashmir Media Service, India’s actions in Kashmir since 1947 have led to the tragic martyrdom of over two and a half million Kashmiris. The alarming figures continue to rise, with more than 96,000 Kashmiris losing their lives since 1989 alone. The impact on families is equally distressing, as approximately 23,000 Kashmiri women have been widowed and over 100,000 children orphaned.
Instances of Violence: Several instances of mass violence and loss of life have occurred throughout the years. For instance, in 1990, regions like Handwara, Tenjpura, and Zakora witnessed the martyrdom of thousands of Kashmiris. Similarly, in 1993, the cities of Sopur, Lal Chowk, and Bijibehara became sites of tragedy, and in 1994, Kupwara experienced the loss of countless lives.
Systematic Human Rights Abuses: The Indian army’s actions have also included heinous human rights violations, such as sexual assault and extrajudicial killings. Shockingly, more than 11,000 women have reportedly been subjected to rape, while over 7,000 individuals have been killed without due process. These acts of brutality cannot be overlooked, as they perpetuate a cycle of fear and anguish within the Kashmiri community.
Protests and Further Bloodshed: The ramifications of these atrocities have spurred protests and civil unrest. Notably, on January 6, 1993, 43 Kashmiris lost their lives in Sopore, accompanied by the destruction of 300 shops and over 100 homes. Similarly, on January 27, 1994, Kupwara witnessed the martyrdom of 27 individuals. The violence escalated further following the martyrdom of Burhan Wani on July 6, 2016, resulting in the tragic loss of over 200 lives during subsequent protests.
International Condemnation and the Urgency for Action: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other reputable organizations have repeatedly denounced the massacre of Kashmiris, shedding light on the dire situation in the region. In fact, Kashmir Media Service highlights India’s disturbing objective of suppressing the freedom movement through the genocidal targeting of Kashmiris. Genocide Watch, in August 2019, even issued an alert regarding the genocide of Kashmiris, underscoring the need for immediate global attention and action.
Implications for G-20 Countries: With the grave situation at hand, it becomes imperative to question whether the members of G-20 countries, participating in the Kashmir issue, will respond effectively to the ongoing genocide perpetrated by India. International intervention and collaboration are vital to protect the lives and rights of Kashmiris, restore peace, and ensure justice prevails in the region.
The prolonged suffering and loss of life endured by Kashmiris demand urgent global attention. The evidence presented in this article underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the pressing need for international intervention. The world must not turn a blind eye to the ongoing genocide in Kashmir and must take decisive action to end the cycle of violence and ensure the protection of human rights in the region.
