Kashmiri women's struggle highlighted in UK

Webinar spotlights plight of Kashmiri women, urges global action on IOJK rights abuses

LONDON:

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Tehreek-e-Kashmir (TeK) UK hosted a thought-provoking webinar titled "The Silent Victims: Kashmiri Women's Struggle Under Indian Occupation Since 1947." The event shed light on the ongoing human rights abuses faced by Kashmiri women under Indian occupation, particularly the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, enforced disappearances, and draconian laws that have left thousands in a state of perpetual suffering.

The term "half widow" refers to thousands of Kashmiri women whose husbands have been forcibly disappeared by Indian forces, leaving them in a state of legal, economic, and emotional uncertainty. These women struggle to provide for their families while being denied closure or justice.

The webinar was chaired by Fahim Kayani, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, and moderated by Rehana Ali, Information Secretary of TeK UK. Human rights activists, political leaders, and international advocates came together to highlight the urgent need for global intervention in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK), where women continue to bear the brunt of the decades-long conflict.

In his opening remarks, Fahim Kayani praised the resilience of Kashmiri women, stating, "Kashmiri women have shown great courage in the face of Indian military occupation. Despite being subjected to sexual violence, enforced disappearances of their loved ones, and extreme human rights violations, they remain steadfast in their fight for self-determination. The international community must acknowledge and take action against these atrocities."

Rehana Ali, Information Secretary of TeK UK, said that Asiya Andrabi, Naheed Nasreen, Fehmeeda Sofi, and many other Kashmiri women activists have been arrested under draconian laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These laws are often used to silence political dissent in Kashmir, targeting not just male activists but also women who play a role in the resistance.

Former Cllr Summara Khurshid praised the resilience of Kashmiri women, calling them "silent warriors" who continue to advocate for their people's rights despite immense challenges.

Cllr Majid Hussain delivered a powerful speech, emphasizing that the world has turned a blind eye to the suffering of Kashmiri women:

"On this International Women's Day, we honor the strength of women worldwide. But today, I want to focus on the unheard cries of Kashmiri women—the silent victims of one of the world's longest-standing conflicts. For decades, they have faced violence, displacement, and the pain of losing their loved ones. Their sons and husbands have disappeared, their dignity has been violated, yet their struggle remains overlooked by the global community."

Hussain urged the international community to take concrete action, stating that "justice delayed is justice denied."

Turkish human rights activist Sheri Hamid said the militarization of Kashmir has disproportionately affected women. From mass rapes like Kunan-Poshpora (1991) to enforced disappearances of their husbands, Kashmiri women have suffered immensely. However, they have also organized resistance in powerful ways.