Online Desk: One of the most alarming outcomes post-2019 is the clear and deliberate demographic shift in Kashmir. After abrogation of article 370 Indian governments has allowednon-residents to acquire land and permanent residency. By recent reports more than 4 million domicile certificates had been issued, with over 600,000 non-Kashmiris settling or applying for government jobs in the region. This demographic shift is not just a fear anymore it is happening. This change is designed to reduce the Muslim-majority status of Kashmir and ensure long-term political and cultural control. This is the major agenda of Hindutva ideology like converting Muslims into Hindu by force and increasing demographic shift in Indian illegally occupied Kashmir.
Students have lost the proper accesses to academics. Students are suffering from different psychological traumas; these traumas have majorly affected their ability of learning understanding. Businesses have collapsed apple farmers which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy saw massive losses due to internet bans and logistical disruptions. According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the valley has suffered a major economic loss of over 40,000 crore (approximately $5 billion) in just first year after the abrogation.
Despite the Severity of the situation international responses have largely been cautious. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) raised concern twice in 2018 and 2019 and asked India to allow an independent investigation. But as always New Delhi dismissed the reports, calling them “false and biased.”
Several media outlets like The Guardian, BBC, and Foreign Policy published detailed accounts of torture, suppression, and arbitrary detentions continuously. But strong global response over India`s act remains missing. Global powers should take binding action against India’s illegal acts in disputed territory but unfortunately nobody is considering it.
Every year since 2019 Pakistan marks 5 August as “Youm-e-Istehsal” the Day of Exploitation to express solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Black flags are raised on government buildings, and the national flag is flown at half-mast in many places. Pakistan highly condemned India’s 5 August actions, calling them illegal and against international law. Prime Minister of Pakistan at the time declared it a “fascist move” and also Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with India. Since then, Pakistan has been vocal at the UN General Assembly, OIC, and Human Rights Council.
In Present times on every 5 August the streets of Kashmir may appear quiet not by choice, but by fear. This issue isn’t about politics anymore; this is about people, about mothers searching for missing sons. A generation is growing up behind barbed wires and surveillance it’s also about a homeland that is being altered without consent. Kashmir has now become a world’s largest open prison where anything could happen at any time or any point. As the world talks about human rights, freedom, and justice Kashmir still waits and bleed.
