Indian Army’s Aggression towards Occupied Kashmir

The Kashmir conflict is a territorial conflict primarily between India and Pakistan, having started just after the partition of India in 1947. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir, including the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947 and 1965, as well as the Kargil War. The two countries have also been involved in several skirmishes over control of the Siachen Glacier. The root of conflict between the Kashmiri insurgents and the Indian Government is tied to a dispute over local autonomy. Thousands of people have died as a result of the turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir. Protest movements created to voice Kashmir's disputes and grievances with the Indian government, specifically the Indian Military, have been active in Jammu & Kashmir since 1989.

NEVER before has Indian Occupied Kashmir reacted so violently to the death of a freedom fighter as it has to the killing of Burhan Muzaffar Wani by security forces on July 8. This 22-year-old Hizbul Mujahedeen commander had become an iconic figure in the Valley. Reportedly, a decision to kill him was taken two months ago at the highest level. Over 50 Kashmiris have been martyred, 200 Blinds, 5000 injured and counting in the protests following the martyrdom of Burhan Wani due to so-called non-lethal pellet guns. The puppet government there has declared a curfew in the entire valley but in spite of curfew and deployment of additional forces, the situation does not seem to be cooling down. Pakistan needs to take same action to show solidarity to their Muslim brethren. The abuses range from mass killings, enforced disappearances, torture, rape and sexual abuse to political repression and suppression of freedom of speech. India as usual, turning a blind eye to the ground realities, terms this new wake of struggle for freedom as a law and order situation instigated by Pakistan. It fails to realize that even young children are raising slogans of Azadi while carrying Pakistani flags against the worst kind of Indian terrorism.

There are several UN Security Council resolutions calling for a referendum in Kashmir. 100's of Canadians gathered outside the Indian Consulate in Toronto denouncing Indian army crimes against innocent Kashmiris. In order to protest against the atrocities committed against the people of Occupied Kashmir and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people, the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara observed “Black day” All officers and staff wore ‘black armbands.’

More such outrages will occur unless the truth about Kashmir is squarely faced. Its people sympathize with the wielders of the gun because without them, the people feel, no one will listen to them. Sri Lanka’s Tamils felt the same way about the Tamil Tigers.

The Kashmir dispute cries out for a solution on both dimensions — internal and external. For a people alienated and wronged for decades, any provocation will set them aflame. The Kashmir dispute will not vanish unless their aspirations are met. Within Kashmir the situation will only deteriorate.