Peace Of A Graveyard – Bi-Annual Human Rights Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Justice For All Exposes Severe Religious Freedom Violations in Kashmir in Groundbreaking Report “Peace of a Graveyard”

Chicago, IL – On September 15, 2024, coinciding with the International Day of Democracy, Justice For All will release its latest report, Peace of a Graveyard, which uncovers egregious human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir. This embargoed bi-annual report, covering the period from January to June 2024, reveals the widespread repression of religious freedoms and other systemic abuses carried out by the Indian government. Drawing on first-hand accounts from impacted Kashmiri families, local activists, and human rights organizations, the report challenges India’s claims of “peace” in the region.

As the world reflects on the values of democracy, this report demonstrates how these ideals are being trampled in Kashmir. Justice For All highlights the severe restrictions on religious freedoms, arbitrary detentions, and other forms of repression faced by Kashmiris under Indian occupation.

Quote from Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All:

“Democracy is not just about elections; it is about human rights, including the right to practice one’s religion freely. In Kashmir, these fundamental freedoms are being crushed. Our report reveals the extent of the religious repression, with mosques closed, prayers banned, and religious leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest. On this International Day of Democracy, we call on the global community to stand with the people of Kashmir and hold the Indian government accountable.”

Key findings from the Peace of a Graveyard report include:

• Religious Freedom Violations: The report documents how the Indian government has systematically closed mosques, banned religious festivals, and placed religious leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest, as part of a broader campaign to suppress Kashmiri Muslim identity.
• Arbitrary Detentions: Kashmiri civilians, including political and religious figures, are routinely arrested under oppressive laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA). Figures like Sarjan Barkati remain in detention without trial, leaving families devastated and without legal recourse.
• Economic Disenfranchisement and Property Confiscations: In 2024 alone, the Indian government has confiscated 37 properties under dubious pretexts, further economically marginalizing the Kashmiri population.
• Militarization and Settler-Colonization: The world’s most militarized region continues to see the construction of new settler colonies for Indian military families, altering the region’s demographic makeup and intensifying the occupation.

Sources and Methodology The Peace of a Graveyard report is based on thorough primary and secondary sources, including testimonies from Kashmiri families, journalists, and human rights organizations. Despite heavy repression and fears of retaliation, Justice For All has gathered critical information from impacted people on the ground and cross-referenced it with reliable international and local sources.

Call to Action Justice For All urges global human rights organizations, governments, and civil society to demand immediate accountability from the Indian government for its grave human rights violations in Kashmir. As we mark the International Day of Democracy, it is essential that religious freedom and human dignity are upheld in Kashmir.

About Justice For All Justice For All is a human rights organization dedicated to advocating for oppressed communities worldwide. Through its Kashmir Action project, Justice For All works to highlight and address the human rights violations occurring in Indian-occupied Kashmir and supports the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

For press inquiries or to schedule an interview with a Justice For All representative, please contact:

Contact Information: Hena Zuberi hena@justiceforall.org  202-998-JUST

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