Bhat seeks international intervention on Kashmiri women's abuse

Draws attention to widespread sexual violence perpetrated by Indian troops

ISLAMABAD:

Altaf Ahmed Bhat, the leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM), has expressed profound concern over the ongoing atrocities committed against Kashmiri women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling upon the international community, human rights organisations and global leaders to take immediate and decisive action to end the suffering of Kashmiri women.

In a statement marking International Women's Day, Bhat highlighted the severe human rights violations faced by Kashmiri women under Indian state terrorism.

He emphasised that since January 1989, Indian forces have been responsible for the martyrdom of 22,981 women. Additionally, approximately 2,500 women have been forced to live as "half-widows," enduring the agonising uncertainty of not knowing the fate of their disappeared husbands.

The APHC leader also drew attention to the widespread sexual violence perpetrated by Indian troops, citing the molestation and disgrace of 11,265 women during the same period. He condemned the unlawful detention of numerous women, including prominent Hurriyat leaders such as Syeda Aasiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi, and Naheeda Nasreen, who have been imprisoned for advocating for the Kashmiris' right to self-determination.

He stressed the urgency of addressing these human rights violations and ensuring justice for the victims.