Kashmir's Struggle: Entombed Between Two Nations, Forgotten by the World (Voices Quieted, Rights Omitted)
Sahil Sajad
Building RiseUP & Amazonia | Final Year CSE student at IIIT-Bh | Author | Consultant @Dialectica | Content Creator @AmazonKindle | Blogger.
"Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression, or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities." – Pope Francis
Kashmir, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, has been the bone of contention between India and Pakistan since 1947, post-independence of British India. The problem had its genesis against the backdrop of the refusal of the princely state to accede to either nation—Pakistan or India. For decades, the people in Kashmir have been used as pawns in the crossfire by both sides; unimaginable human rights violations and political disenfranchisement left the people of Kashmir in unimaginable desolation. The following paper tries to detail the brief history of the struggle, its rise of insurgency, and the fallout of it all on the lives of the Kashmiris culminating in a powerful plea for the right to self-determination of the Kashmir region.
Historical Background
The conflict over Kashmir started in 1947 when Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of princely Jammu and Kashmir, acceded to India under duress, which was then under military invasion by tribal militias from Pakistan. He did so provisionally until a plebiscite was to decide the region's future. However, the promised plebiscite never occurred, leading to a prolonged and bloody conflict.
First War between India and Pakistan: Ended in the demarcation of the Line of Control (LoC), legally dividing the region of Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries. Over the decades, multiple wars (1965, 1971, and the Kargil War in 1999) and skirmishes have exacerbated the situation. The United Nations called for a plebiscite to determine the will of the people which could never be held, taking into view the geo-political interest of both nations (Adi magazine ) (Wikipedia ).
Rise of Insurgency
The insurrection in Kashmir arose from political discontent and the perceived betrayal of democratic promises. The 1987 disputed elections in Kashmir charged the atmosphere, with allegations of rigging at a large scale by the Indian government. This disillusionment led to many young Kashmiris taking up arms, supported by Pakistan's backing in terms of resources and militant group trainers.
This insurgency resulted in severe human rights abuses widespread as Indian forces cracked down on the terrorists fully. Reports of indiscriminate arrests, torture, and sub-judicial killings began to be common, thus alienating the local population even further.
There have been over 40,000 deaths—militants, security, and civilians alike—in these two decades of conflict (Wikipedia ).
Human Rights Violations
The people of Kashmir have paid the price for these prolonged hostilities. Human rights organizations have described scores of instances of abuses by both Indian and Pakistani forces(Militants) —enforced disappearances, rape, and collective punishment. Especially notorious is the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives Indian soldiers carte blanche immunity from prosecution, negating the possibility of prosecution, and is fiercely contested, with many calling allegations of immunity and injustice.
The other way around, the existence of such militant groups victimizes civilians, as they kill those whom they suspect of being in contact or alliance with the Indian state. For this reason, the place has been a fearful and repressive one that deters every kind of political transaction.
The Pulwama Attack and Its Aftermath
The Pulwama attack, dated February 14, 2019, is something that struck deep and hard in the region of Kashmir. Executed by a suicide bomber associated with the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed, this attack resulted in the deaths of 40 paramilitary personnel from India. It not only put gas in the fire of bilateral tension between India and Pakistan but also has had severe consequences for the common people of Kashmir.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the Indian government slapped a tight lockdown on the entire region, rendering the state into emergency-like conditions. Stringent restrictions were put on the movement of civilians, such that movement from place to place was not allowed, and even transport through private vehicles on national highways was not allowed, as they were solely reserved for military convoys. It threw civilian life out of gear and it was an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty all around.
Worse, a million-odd troops in Kashmir and the Indian state have still not sealed the borders. This has continually opened opportunities for the infiltration of militants into the region, thereby keeping open questions regarding the effectiveness of the taken strategies and the border security measures by the military. The strength of the military presence has not led to security for the locals, but only to a widespread feeling of oppression and being surveilled:
The Pulwama attack reaffirmed that the area remains wide open for military activities and presented the dynamics of conflict as well. The brutal restrictions on the civilians by the Indian government, among other scary measures, have only deepened the humanitarian crisis in Kashmir. For, with the heavy presence of military forces, there is consistent infiltration of militants; beyond mere militarization lies a more intrinsic and unresolved defection.
Further details regarding the Pulwama attack and associated issues can be traced at Crisis Group and Wikipedia; both provide comprehensive and detailed accounts of the sequence of events in the region. (Wikipedia ) (Crisis Group ).
Political Suppression and Cultural Erosion
The political landscape in Kashmir is fraught with suppression. Political leaders advocating for autonomy or independence are frequently detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). In August 2019, the Indian government unilaterally abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy. This move was accompanied by a severe crackdown, including the detention of political leaders, activists, and a prolonged communication blackout.
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Kashmir's Right to Self-Determination
At the bottom of it, the Kashmir struggle is about self-determination. Its people have vehemently been demanding that they be allowed to have a say in their destiny either for independence or accession to Pakistan. The Indian government's view, though, veers more toward subjugating the aspirations rather than harboring political grievances.
The uniqueness and peaceful solution to the issue of Kashmir is realized all across the globe. The UN resolutions demanding a plebiscite have created a testament to showing the supposition of the people in the international community. Geopolitical interests and regional dynamics, however, have often shadowed these calls for justice.
Impact on Daily Life
Besides, the conflict has left an impact on unbelievable day-to-day life for Kashmiris. The economy has suffered because of instability, while the key industrial sector in the state, tourism, has been badly hit. Education has been hampered, and health services are poor, making life quite difficult for the locals.
High rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression have been reported among residents. The constant presence of military forces and frequent encounters brought an environment of constant fear and uncertainty.
Conclusion
The people of Kashmir deserve to live in dignity, peace, and freedom—to determine their future. The international community needs to intervene in a manner that is conducive to such dialogues and to respecting human rights. In high time both the countries realized the legitimate aspirations of the people to find a solution whereby their wishes are respected.
Call to Action
If you believe in justice and the right to self-determination, join us in advocating for the people of Kashmir. Subscribe to our newsletter, Pages Journal, for in-depth analysis and updates on the ongoing struggle in Kashmir. Let's stand together for a peaceful and just resolution.
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References
We hope to provide you with information on one of the key issues of our time by covering this issue comprehensively and with critical analysis.
Regards,
Sahil Reshi
"Caught between militant brutality and democratic tyranny, Kashmir's human rights remain in perpetual peril." - Sahil Sajad
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4 个月Human rights should not be violated anywhere.