Kashmiri women are the silent warriors of the region, embodying resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Despite facing immense challenges, they continue to lead grassroots movements for justice, advocating for their people's rights and fighting for a brighter future. Their role in these movements is often quiet but powerful, as they stand at the forefront of the struggle for justice in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IIOK).

The women of Kashmir, many of whom have faced personal tragedies, have emerged as enduring symbols of strength and resilience.
They are surviving and thriving, even in the face of adversity. However, the cost of this resilience is steep. Agony, pain, and grief are the prices Kashmiri women pay due to their courage, patience, and silent role in leading grassroots movements for justice in IIOK. For them the cost of pursuing freedom is a challenging journey. Imagine the immense toll borne by Kashmiri women who are half-widows or victims of sexual violence because of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) oppressive policies. Imagine their sufferings due to exposing these Hindutva ideologies and their need for an urgent call for justice from the international community. Imagine the price these silent souls bear due to Hindutva's failure to recognize women as dignified human beings. Imagine the cost these Kashmiri women endure as they witness their elderly fathers being dragged away and their young ones being brutally beaten before their eyes, all in a ruthless attempt to silence their voices. The self-proclaimed champion of democracy claims to provide the best facilities to the people of Kashmir, but this narrative overlooks the systemic abuse they endure. It fundamentally misunderstands the critical distinction between delivering quality services and infringing upon essential freedoms. While the world may view the provisions as exemplary, one must face the harsh truth of the human rights violations faced by Kashmiris, especially Kashmiri women, under the BJP's oppressive regime. Kashmiri women navigate a contrasting situation that influences their experiences on both sides of the divide, one side offers hope, fostering an environment where their voices can be heard, and their thoughts freely expressed. This side encourages self-expression and enables them to celebrate their identity, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Kashmiriyat, which embodies inclusivity, diversity, and harmony.

In stark contrast, the other side casts a shadow over their existence, systematically silencing their voices and obstructing their quest for justice. Under the oppressive weight of the BJP’s agenda, this side diminishes the identity of Kashmiri women, undermining their maternal influence and curtailing the future of the Kashmiri generation. The BJP’s fear of Kashmiri women giving birth to mujahideen (freedom fighters) who will resist occupation and are ready to sacrifice their lives in pursuit of independence contributes to the oppressive measure targeting them. This deliberate narrative seeks to weaken maternal influence and disrupt the future of an entire community.
One side promotes the vibrant expression of Kashmiri culture through colors and music, the other enforces violence, silence, and sorrow through relentless bloodshed. It replaces joy with grief, creativity with despair, and harmony with division, leaving Kashmiri women to bear the weight of both physical and emotional trauma. This juxtaposition of light and darkness underscores the resilience and courage of Kashmiri women as they navigate these divided realities with hope and determination.
Grassroots movements for justice in Kashmir have entered a crucial phase after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A by India on August 5, 2019. Kashmiri women have become primary targets, facing rising incidents of sexual violence, human rights violations, enforced disappearances, and the killings of their male family members. In response, these women have taken on leadership roles in the resistance movement helping to shine a light on the injustices faced by their community. They are the backbone of the fight for justice, leading with dignity and courage, even when their efforts are often overlooked.
The article, Resistance of Women Against Indian Illegal Occupation of Jammu and Kashmir: Their Invisibility During Peace Negotiations by Izzat Raazia and Saqib Ur Rehman, highlights pivotal figures like Parveena Ahangar, founder of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), who began her activism after her son forcibly disappeared, allegedly by Indian security forces. Other notable leaders include Asiya Andrabi, head of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the Nation), and Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. These women, alongside many others, are actively resisting oppression through peaceful protests, documenting human rights abuses, and contributing to educational and social welfare initiatives. Despite significant personal sacrifices, their dedication to justice remains unwavering. They are aptly called "silent warriors," inspiring others and advocating for a fair resolution to the ongoing conflict in Kashmir.
The misrepresentation of Kashmiri women’s statements by some scholars creates barriers to uncovering the truth. For instance, in the article, Women in Jihad: A Historical Perspective, Seran de Leede claims that Asiya Andrabi, advocates for distinct gender roles in jihad, stating that jihad is primarily a man’s responsibility while women should focus on family care. De Leede suggests that Andrabi believes women's involvement in jihad could lead to societal instability due to neglecting child-rearing. While Andrabi encourages women to support men in joining jihad, she also claims women would take up arms if necessary. De Leede also notes that women in groups like Hezbollah and Dukhtaran-e-Millat have served as couriers for messages, money, and weapons. Such portrayals risk misrepresenting the genuine contributions of Kashmiri women by framing them within a radical narrative. This misinformation can mislead the international community and undermine the legitimate efforts of Kashmiri women seeking justice and truth. In the article, A Kashmiri Woman Stuck in Crossfire, A. S. Adish, and Reju George Mathew highlight Reports from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in 2018 and 2019 document human rights violations in Kashmir, including excessive use of force and denial of justice by Indian authorities. These findings challenge distorted narratives and reveal the reality of abuses in the region. A. S. Adish and Reju George Mathew also underline the UN Special Rapporteur's 2023 outcomes, highlighting the escalating repression against Kashmiri civil society. Kashmir remains a site of severe human rights abuses. The authentic stories of its people, especially women, must be told to reflect the voices of a marginalized population seeking truth and justice.
By suppressing and silencing the Kashmiri voices, how can the so-called democratic champion of democracy attempt to fantasise Kashmir as its own? How India paints the narrative never justifies its illegal actions. Kashmiri women cry out for justice. How can they equate their legitimate cause for justice with the so-called terrorist rhetoric for Kashmiri women? How can they equate Asiya Andrabi's words with invoking terror? How can they adopt double standards in viewing Kashmiri women's struggle? On one side the Rani of the Jhansi is justified, yet on the other side, Kashmiri women are labeled as perpetrators rather than victims. Their territory has been taken, their Kashmiriyat erased, their religion attacked, their men killed, and they have been forced into the status of half-widows. They have been victimised through sexual violence, had their dignity violated and their voices silenced through internet shutdowns — all while being denied their right to live freely. Despite this, their resilience, patience, courage, and resistance in pursuit of justice for freedom remain undeniable. HH

The writer is a PhD Scholar at NUML University, Islamabad
Email: [email protected]