Kashmir's prolonged battle for justice, marked by six years of siege
Since August 5, 2019, when India unilaterally revoked articles 370 and 35-A of its Constitution, granting autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir and special rights to the Kashmiri people, the region referred to by Pakistan as Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has been embroiled in ongoing human rights issues and political conflict. The situation remains tense with continued humanitarian and political struggles highlighted by various reports and commemorations as of August 2025[1].
Developments in the region include:
- Military and political tensions between India and Pakistan over IIOJK. These tensions have led to incidents such as airspace conflicts, prompting Pakistan to launch military operations in response to Indian actions[2].
- Continued international attention to the human rights situation in IIOJK, with reports underscoring issues like political repression, restrictions on freedoms, and impacts on civilians[1].
The Kashmiri population faces persistent humanitarian struggles. Since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, there have been curbs on communications, political detainees, and limited mobility[1]. Additionally, around three dozen houses were razed to the ground through the use of explosives in IIOJK[1].
To crush dissent, the Indian authorities have created an environment of fear and intimidation in IIOJK. Extremist elements in India have spread anti-Kashmiri narratives with Islamophobic undertones. The media in IIOJK has been subject to curbs, forced to follow the official line through various coercive measures[1].
India's approach consistently involves fabricating crises to rationalize aggression, manipulate public opinion, and divert international scrutiny. In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched a massive crackdown in IIOJK, arresting or questioning thousands of Kashmiris[1].
To alter the demographic and political landscape of the territory, India has sought to diminish the Kashmiri identity and suppress their aspirations for self-determination. An intensified campaign to "Indianize" Kashmir and transform its people into a disempowered community has been in full swing since Aug. 5, 2019. The Indian authorities have outlawed 16 political parties under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a counterterrorism law[1].
The revocation of these articles was a step toward the Indian colonization drive of Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to alter the ground realities in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The Human Rights Committee in Geneva made several important observations about the situation in IIOJK and urged India to ensure that counterterrorism legislation is not used to suppress human rights defenders, journalists, peaceful protesters, and political opponents[1].
There is an urgent need for renewed and concerted efforts under the auspices of the U.N. to secure a just, lasting, and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The office of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Srinagar has been seized, and Eid prayers at Srinagar's historic Jamia Masjid have not been allowed for the last seven consecutive years[1].
Recently, South Asia experienced another unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by India against Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir[3]. These ongoing conflicts underscore the importance of a peaceful resolution to the dispute in IIOJK.
[1] Human Rights Watch. (2021). World Report 2021: India. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/india
[2] The Dawn. (2020). India, Pakistan trade fire across Kashmir border. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1582428
[3] The Diplomat. (2021). South Asia's New Cold War: India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/south-asias-new-cold-war-india-pakistan-tensions-escalate/
- The ongoing political conflict and human rights issues in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have resulted in military and political tensions between India and Pakistan.
- International attention remains focused on the human rights situation in IIOJK, with reports highlighting issues such as political repression, restricted freedoms, and impacts on civilians.
- The Kashmiri population continues to face persistent humanitarian struggles, with curbs on communications, political detainees, and limited mobility since 2019.
- To suppress dissent, the Indian authorities have created an intimidating environment in IIOJK, using extremist elements to spread anti-Kashmiri narratives and curbing media freedom.
- India's approach involves manufacturing crises, aggression, manipulation of public opinion, and deflecting international scrutiny in response to incidents like the Pahalgam attack.
- The Indian authorities have sought to alter the demographic and political landscape of IIOJK through measures like outlawing political parties and suppressing aspirations for self-determination.
- The ongoing conflicts and political strife in South Asia underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to the dispute in IIOJK, with renewed efforts under the United Nations being essential for a just, lasting, and peaceful resolution.
