ALLAH BAKHSH GULSHAN
GHAZI UNIVERSITY DERA GHAZI KHAN
A burning and sensitive issue is the impact of the Indian military siege on human rights in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The regional communities have witnessed about massive Indian military presence for many years in the IOJ&K, which has led to concerns about the effects on human rights on populace of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, the military presence has been associated with reports of human rights issues, including concerns about extra-judicial actions, restrictions on movement and communication, and impacts on freedoms of expression and assembly. The local population has experienced challenges due to the security measures in place. The situation in the region highlights the need to address the protection of human rights against aggression by the Indian military. The Indian government has imposed a legal framework, which is the against the human right policies of the world and delegated the unlawful powers to his Armed Forces through Special Powers Act. The powers granted by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) are being exercised by the Indian military in a manner that impacts the human rights of the population of IOJK.
Different perspectives exist on the situation in Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Some emphasize the need for security measures given the region’s circumstances, while others highlight concerns about human rights violations and the impact on civilians. The situation in Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJK) has been marked by significant human rights concerns due to a prolonged Indian military presence. Based on recent reports, there is a comprehensive account to highlight in stepwise for the international community for his watchfulness
Current status of Human Rights Violations
First of all, it is reported about the extra-Judicial killings. Various reports indicate thousands of Kashmiris have been killed by Indian security forces in custody, extrajudicial executions, and enforced disappearances. Secondly, the serious crime observed in the form of sexual violence. The sexual violence has been used as a weapon against Kashmiri women, with reports of rape and harassment by Indian forces. Third shame full act is the detentions and disappearances commonly observed. The arbitrary detentions under laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA) have been reported.
Overall Impact of Military Siege
The major impact is the restrictions on movement and communication. From the day of 5 August 2019, communications were totally blocked, and most of the times curfews imposed in main cities and towns. Moreover, the military siege led to shortages of essential commodities and life-saving drugs. It is serious violation of basic human rights and it led to cause a Humanitarian Crisis in the population of IOJK
International community / Pakistani Nation response
The international community’s stance is very clear and International Community has expressed their concerns about human rights violation in IOJK. The United nation (UN) Security Council held sessions on Kashmir after India’s actions on August 5, 2019. The objective of that session is very clear i.e. human rights violation is being observed in IOJK. The response and support of government of Pakistan is very strongly spirited i.e stopped human rights violations and decision/fate of population of IOJK for their survival in future was/is/will decide according to the choice of inhabitants of IOJK.
Post-August 2019 Developments
The concerns have to more serious after 5 august 2019. The Indian government is escalated more their militarization and India’s military presence in IOJK has intensified since the abrogation of Article 370. Moreover, the Indian authorities have targeted dissenting voices through bans on pro-freedom organizations and restrictions on lawyers.
Impact on Civil Liberties/ Effects on local population
Primarily, restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly have been noted in IOJK. Moreover, journalists and media face challenges in reporting due to security concerns and restrictions. In addition, the prolonged military presence has psychological impacts on the local population. Due to presence of huge Indian corps, the economic activities and development may be affected by the security situation. So, the poverty level in the populace of IOJK is increasing day by day due to disruption of trade and tourism.
Finally, it is very clear that the impact of the military siege on human rights in IOJK is complex and poses dangers for the current and future survival of the population of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).
