Indian armed forces involved in sexual violence in IIOJK, India
New Delhi: The recently released of Indian National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and several human rights organizations, have highlighted the cases of sexual violence involving members of the Indian armed forces.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the NCRB data revealed that over 270 rape cases were registered against members of the armed forces between 2017 and 2022. The accused reportedly include police officers, government employees, and members of the armed forces.
The reports indicate that incidents have occurred both within India and in the disputed region of Kashmir. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have cited sexual violence as a significant human rights concern in these areas.
In 1991, 53 women in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) reportedly testified about sexual assault by armed forces personnel before the Chief Justice. Another incident from the same year about 100 women were sexually assaulted during a search operation in Kunan and Poshpora villages of Kupwara district of IIOJK.
The reports also mention cases of sexual harassment within the Indian military, with over 1,000 female personnel allegedly affected.
Incidents involving Indian peacekeepers abroad have also been reported. Some personnel were implicated in sexual exploitation cases in Congo, while three were sentenced for sexual assault in South Africa.
These reports raise concerns about accountability and the need for addressing sexual violence within military contexts.
