Risks to women, girls

Social media has been abuzz with Indian men rejoicing at their increased chances of coveting the ‘‘white-skinned’’ Kashmiri women, following the Indian Government’s revocation of Article 370, which gave Kashmir a special status in the Indian constitution.

History has proved that in any armed conflict women are the worst sufferers. According to an analysis by the United Nations in 2018, sexual violence is factored into the broader strategy of conflict, with women and girls being disproportionately affected.

India’s war on unarmed Kashmiris for the last many decades has resulted in various instances of mass human rights abuses. On February 23, 1991, Indian soldiers raided villages in Kunan and Poshpora in Kashmir and allegedly raped between 23 and 100 women. It was only after 25 years of struggle that the affected succeeded in getting their plea admitted in the Supreme Court.

There are fears India’s current forceful occupation of Kashmir territory will generate mass human rights violations particularly aimed at women. The deep-rooted misogyny in Indian society, coupled with the state’s desire to rule Kashmir, could see widespread sexual abuse of women at the hands of Indian occupation forces, who are safeguarded from prosecution under ‘‘Special Powers Act’’.

It is the duty of the international community to raise its voice for the subjugated people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially for vulnerable women and children.

Mariya Abdul Ghafoor, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of Pakistan