ISLAMABAD: In a series of distressing events last month, Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) were reported to have martyred twelve Kashmiris.
The Research Section of Kashmir Media Service disclosed that five of these individuals were killed in what were described as fabricated encounters or while in custody.
Throughout June, at least twenty-six people sustained injuries due to the excessive force employed by Indian troops and police against peaceful demonstrators.
Additionally, around 570 civilians, including youths, political activists, and a notable lawyer, Mian Abdul Qayoom, were detained under stringent laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These arrests occurred during nearly 196 cordon and search operations conducted over the month.
The report also highlighted the restrictions imposed on religious practices, noting that Kashmiris were prevented from offering Eidul Azha prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid and Eidgah in Srinagar. Furthermore, there were reports of property damage, with two houses being targeted and an incident involving the molestation of a woman.
Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, a spokesman for the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, stated in Srinagar that the systematic human rights violations by Indian troops have become routine in the region.
He remarked that the situation has worsened since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, with the BJP-led Indian government using severe measures to suppress the Kashmiri freedom movement.
The statement called for international intervention, stressing that the presence of nearly one million troops has turned IIOJK into the world’s most militarized zone, and highlighting the urgent need for global support to address the continuing violations and oppression faced by Kashmiris.
