In the Indian-administered region of Poonch, Indian forces have intensified helicopter operations during search missions, particularly in the village of Mohri Shah. Reports indicate that joint searches involving the Indian army and police are significantly increasing military activity in the Pir Panjal and Poonch districts.
Since the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Kashmir has seen a troubling rise in military sieges and search operations, which have become a daily reality. Nearly 240 Kashmiris have reportedly been killed during this time, with a dramatic increase in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and instances of torture.
A report from the World Forum for Peace and Justice highlights that since 1990, over 10,000 Kashmiri women have been victims of sexual violence perpetrated by Indian forces. The psychological impact on these women is profound, as they continue to endure constant surveillance and a climate of fear.
The cycle of collective assaults, enforced disappearances, killings, and violence shows no signs of abating. A particularly harrowing incident occurred in 1991 in the Kupwara area, where around 100 women were subjected to mass assault. The ongoing situation raises serious human rights concerns for the residents of Kashmir.
