London event calls for UN probe into violence against women in IIOJK
London: Participants of a webinar organized by Tehreek-e-Kashmir (TeK) UK said that the plight of Kashmiri women under Indian occupation is not just a regional issue but a global human rights crisis, warranting urgent international intervention.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the participants of the webinar titled “The Silent Victims: Kashmiri Women’s Struggle Under Indian Occupation Since 1947” called for a UN-led investigation into sexual violence and enforced disappearances. They also called for accountability for Indian war crimes, and the repeal of draconian laws like AFSPA and PSA.
The discussion exposed the persistent human rights abuses faced by Kashmiri women, including sexual violence as a weapon of war, enforced disappearances, and repressive laws that perpetuate their suffering. The event, chaired by Fahim Kayani, President of TeK UK, and moderated by Rehana Ali, Information Secretary of TeK UK, featured human rights activists, political leaders, and international advocates.
In his opening remarks, Fahim Kayani commended the resilience of Kashmiri women, stating: “Despite being subjected to brutal military occupation, Kashmiri women have not wavered in their struggle for self-etermination. The international community must break its silence and take concrete action.” Rehana Ali highlighted the unjust imprisonment of Kashmiri women activists like Asiya Andrabi, Naheed Nasreen, and Fehmeeda Sofi under draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which are used to silence voices of resistance.
Former Cllr Summara Khurshid hailed Kashmiri women as “silent warriors” who continue to resist despite severe oppression. Cllr Majid Hussain condemned the international community’s indifference, stating: “The world must acknowledge the unheard cries of Kashmiri women, who have endured decades of violence, displacement, and enforced disappearances. Justice delayed is justice denied.” Turkish human rights activist Sheri Hamid stressed the devastating impact of militarization on Kashmiri women, citing mass rapes such as Kunan-Poshpora (1991) as evidence of India’s war crimes. Palestinian poet Shahd Mahnavi, Chairman of the Global Pak Kashmir Supreme Council Raja Sikander Khan, and former Italian Councillor Iram Tahir also denounced India’s oppressive policies in Kashmir, urging international solidarity. The webinar concluded with a strong call for global action.
