Merwah Hamid Qureshi
A year has passed but the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) are still suffering owing to Indian atrocities and Indian imposed curfew. The curfew imposed by Indian government in IOK is actually a synonym to genocide. The residents of IOK happen to be the prisoners of geography but more than that they are the victims of India’s saffron terror. They have been meted out with inhumane treatment since decades; however, the eve of 5th August 2019 totally changed the on ground situation in IOK and made it worse for Kashmiris to breathe without the fear of being hunted. From that day up till now, the sufferings of Kashmiris have crossed all the limits and bounds. One wonders, how this brave nation is enduring immense pain, grief and terror. This whole year of torture -from 5th August 2019 to 5th August 2020- tells the tale of Indian atrocities in IOK. From killing Kashmiris to illegally detaining them and from firing their houses to blinding their youth, India has unleashed genocide in the ill-fated region.
The tale of colossal terror started from 5th August 2019 when Indian government illegally annexed IOK by unilaterally revoking Article 35A and Article 370 – both of these two articles guaranteed special status to Kashmir and its residents. After this illegal and unilateral revocation, the worst ever lockdown was imposed in IOK and Indian government deployed approximately 900,000 troops to crush Kashmiri freedom spirit by further blocking the last ray of hope and restricting the movements of the people of IOK. From that day, the story of atrocities, pains and terror actually started. Hundreds were killed, thousands were illegally detained, hundreds of women got raped, numerous had been blinded by pellet guns and houses were burned to ashes. Amid all these human rights abuses committed by Indian government and forces, the people of IOK kept on fighting for their legitimate rights, land and freedom.
It’s been a year now, but the region of IOK is still suffering and the world has not only turned a blind eye towards its suffering but has also became a player in this vicious game by investing billions in India instead of apprehending her for her war crimes and saffron terrorism in IOK.
Additionally, Indian terror didn’t stop here but another episode appeared on the screen of terror in 2020, when India promulgated Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Order 2020. According to this Order, Indians who have either resided in IOK for 15 years or have studied for a period of seven years and appeared in matric or intermediate examination are eligible for the domicile or citizenship of IOK. Pakistan criticized this Indian move and vowed to stand by the people of Kashmir, the PM Imran Khan stated, “We stand with the Kashmiris in rejecting this latest Indian attempt to alter the demography of IOK. Pakistan will continue to expose Indian state terrorism in Kashmir and its denial of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.” This malicious act of Indian government aimed at disturbing the demography of IOK and changing its in India’s favor is another attack on the rights of Kashmiris and violates 4th Geneva Convention.
Therefore, India seems to have been investing all her energies to annex Kashmir, to illegally occupy this land of beauty and to silence its people permanently either by cutting their tongues or by slitting their throats. Sadly, the international human rights watchdogs couldn’t do much except providing a mere lip service.Amid, PM Imran Khan’s speech in UNGA 74th session, OIC’s support for Kashmiris, the protest for the rights of the people of IOK across the globe; the international powers and organizations couldn’t hold India accountable for her mockery of human rights in IOK nor could they make India stop wreaking havoc upon Kashmiris. It’s been a year now, but the region of IOK is still suffering and the world has not only turned a blind eye towards its suffering but has also became a player in this vicious game by investing billions in India instead of apprehending her for her war crimes and saffron terrorism in IOK.