Kashmir Solidarity Day' is observed on 5th February to demonstrate support to Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination. Forcible occupation of two-third Kashmir by Indian forces in 1947 against the wishes of Kashmiris impelled freedom fighters. When India saw that it was on the verge of losing the battle, it sought intervention of United Nations. United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution of 21st April, 1948, clearly states that the question of accession of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K;) to India or Pakistan should be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite. Subsequent UNSC Resolutions reiterated the same stand. Since 1989, when Kashmiris rose up in a popular uprising to secure their lawful right to self-determination, the Indian occupation military has killed no less than 100,000 Kashmiris in a bid to quell their movement. In a brutal campaign, over half a million-strong Indian army has inflicted unspeakable atrocities on them to crush their uprising, but only failingly. Indian military is playing 'Holi' with the blood of Kashmiris. Protests and the now-routine killing of Kashmiris by Indian occupation forces have resumed in the violence-plagued state of Kashmir. Each killing brings out more protesters onto the streets. At the height of the uprising in the 1990s, Indian occupation forces strength was as high as 700,000. In Srinagar, capital of Indian occupied Kashmir, there were 300,000 troops for one million residents: one soldier for every three civilians, making Srinagar the most militarized city in the world. India still maintains 500,000 troops that comprise its regular army, the Border Security Force and the unruly mob of Hindu zealots that go by the name of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It is this bunch of thugs that have indulged in the most egregious crimes against the Kashmiris, especially women. The CRPF is notorious for raping women. Human rights groups say that nearly 10,000 Kashmiri women and girls have been gang-raped since 1989; few if any offenders have been apprehended, much less punished. India has used rape as an instrument of war and oppression to terrorize the deeply conservative and honour-conscious Kashmiri Muslims into submission, without much success so far. There have been numerous incidents of gang rape reported by 'Amnesty International' (AI) and NGOs. 'AI' has reported criminal activities of police and Indian security forces and has also reported that almost every house in Kashmir has been traumatized. They are living in a prison house and being constantly punished on account of asking for right of self-determination. Moreover, human rights organizations are routinely denied permission to investigate in a free manner. Media-men are being attacked and arrested. Humanitarian relief is limited as external agencies are not being allowed to provide medical assistance and other relief materials. Many cases of human rights violation stem from abuse of power under repressive laws and police/army brutality unleashed against the Kashmiri people. They are taken into custody for acts that are legitimized by international human rights standards of free speech, freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of the press. The number of persons killed by Indian occupation forces between January 1989 and June 30, 2011 stand at 100,274, according to the Kashmir Media Service. Of these, some 6,969 were killed while in the custody of one or other Indian security apparatus. The number of women widowed (22,728) and children orphaned (107,351) is equally harrowing. Such gruesome acts are possible only because the Indian government has instituted such black laws as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Disturbed Areas Act under which its occupation forces can act with impunity. India tried to deceive the world by labeling the freedom struggle as an act of terrorism. Having sacrificed thousands of precious lives, the people of Kashmir still yearn to see the fruition of their dreams but even the world is becoming oblivious to their plight. The world needs to recognize that Kashmir is the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan, who have declared themselves as nuclear weapons capable states. Kashmir is a flashpoint, which is on a short fuse which could erupt into a nuclear war, engulfing not only the region but devastating the whole world. Nothing short of freedom would satisfy the Kashmiris.

• published: 04 Feb 2012
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