War Crimes Against Women and Girls in Kashmir: A Dark Reality on International Women’s Day
Introduction As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, recognising the achievements and struggles of women globally, it is imperative to shed light on the grave injustices faced by women in conflict zones. One of the most tragic and underreported human rights crises of our time is the systematic violence against women and girls in Kashmir, where war crimes, sexual violence, and state-sponsored oppression have persisted for decades under Indian rule.
The Unseen Suffering of Kashmiri Women For decades, Kashmir has been a region marred by conflict, military occupation, and resistance. While political debates dominate global discussions, the plight of Kashmiri women and girls remains largely ignored. These women are not only caught in the crossfire but are also deliberately targeted through rape, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings—tactics used to break the spirit of an entire community.
Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War Sexual violence has been a brutal tool of oppression in Kashmir. Rape, molestation, and gender-based violence have been systematically used by security forces to instil fear and punish the local population. Some of the most horrific cases include:
• The Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape (1991): One of the darkest incidents in Kashmir’s history, where Indian army personnel allegedly raped at least 40 women in a single night in the villages of Kunan and Poshpora. Decades later, justice remains elusive, as the survivors continue their battle against state impunity.
• Shopian Double Rape and Murder Case (2009): The brutal rape and murder of Asiya and Neelofar, two young women from Shopian, sparked mass protests, but authorities dismissed the crime as an accident, reinforcing a culture of denial and impunity.
• Countless Unreported Cases: Thousands of Kashmiri women have faced sexual violence during search operations, cordon-and-search raids, and military crackdowns. The stigma, coupled with fear of retaliation, forces many victims to still be silent, leaving them without justice. Widows and Half-Widows: The Women Left Behind Another tragic consequence of the conflict is the emergence of half-widows—women whose husbands have been forcibly disappeared by security forces. With no confirmation of death, these women are trapped in legal and emotional limbo, unable to remarry, claim inheritance, or move forward in life. Over 8,000 enforced disappearances have been reported, yet accountability remains absent.
Psychological Trauma and Economic Hardships Living under military occupation has led to severe psychological distress among Kashmiri women. The constant presence of soldiers, frequent crackdowns, and traumatic experiences have resulted in a mental health crisis. Depression, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies are rampant among women, yet mental health services remain inadequate.
Furthermore, the economic strangulation of Kashmir due to curfews, communication blackouts, and military restrictions has made survival even harder. Women, especially widows and half-widows, struggle to provide for their families in a region where employment opportunities are systematically suppressed.
A Call for Justice and Global Action As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must amplify the voices of Kashmiri women and demand accountability for these war crimes. The world cannot remain silent while thousands of women continue to suffer under occupation and state oppression.
What Can Be Done? • International Human Rights Organisations must investigate and document cases of sexual violence and war crimes in Kashmir. The culture of impunity must be challenged. • The United Nations and Global Women’s Rights Movements must call for justice and support survivors in their fight for accountability. • Media Outlets and Journalists should break the silence and report on the gendered impact of the Kashmir conflict, ensuring the world knows the truth. • Legal Action and Sanctions should be imposed on perpetrators of war crimes, ensuring that crimes against women in Kashmir are not forgotten. Conclusion International Women’s Day is a reminder that the struggle for women’s rights is far from over—especially in conflict zones like Kashmir, where women are subjected to war crimes with little hope for justice. The international community must rise above political interests and stand for the dignity, safety, and rights of Kashmiri women. True empowerment begins with justice, and justice cannot be selective.