Kashmiri Women's Courage Spotlighted by Mushaal Hussein Mullick on World Women's Day

Islamabad - 10 March 2024 (Adnan Hameed) : In a compelling address during a seminar on "World Women’s Day," former special assistant to the prime minister for human rights and women empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, paid a heartfelt tribute to the courageous Kashmiri women at Muzafarabad. These resilient women, despite facing Indian state terrorism, are actively leading the just movement for freedom against all odds. Addressing the gathering, Mushaal underscored the deplorable treatment of women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where they are subjected to inhumane conditions. She expressed grave concern about the use of rape as a weapon of war by Indian forces, exacerbating the challenges faced by Kashmiri women in their pursuit of self-determination. Mushaal, also the wife of imprisoned Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, called on world powers, UN bodies, and human rights organizations to extend their focus beyond the women's rights issues in Western countries. She urged them to pay attention to the plight of women in Kashmir and Palestine, emphasizing the urgent need to address the atrocities committed against them. The hurriyat leader highlighted India's involvement in heinous war crimes against women in IIOJK, labeling Kashmiri women as the most oppressed section of society. Referencing UNHRCO reports from 2018-19, she noted that over 8000 Kashmiri women live as half-widows, their husbands disappeared after being arrested by Indian forces. Mushaal called upon the international community, especially world human rights institutions and UN bodies, to hold India accountable for its war crimes against women in IIOJK. She recounted the tragic incident in Kunan Poshpora village in 1991 and emphasized the ongoing shameful and inhuman practices against Kashmiri women. Demanding the immediate release of all women political prisoners in Indian jails, Mushaal urged for their unconditional freedom. She stressed that these women, detained for demanding people’s birthright to freedom and self-determination, deserve justice. Sabien Hussein Mullick, former advisor to SAPM on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, and Secretary-General of Peace and Culture Organization, also highlighted women empowerment initiatives during the event.