While all of us are probably worrying about Miley and Liam’s divorce, the latest movies out in the cinema, and the next trip to Sahel before school. We forget that some people’s worries are wether they’re gonna survive to see another day or not. Recently, we all turned our profile pictures to blue to help raise awareness about the incidents happening in Sudan, but now another country suffers the same fate. 

Kashmir has been in this custody battle between India and Pakistan since 1947. But in the past few weeks, there has been a heightened amount of repression in Kashmir. There has been an additional troop deployment of 350,000 troops aside from the existing 500,000 troops. And if you don’t know Kashmir is one of the most militarized regions in the world.

– There has been an imposition of curfew.

– The army has physically taken over schools and college buildings. 

– All businesses and public offices have been closed.

– There is a ban on public gathering and all pro freedom leaders have been detained.

– Internet and communication have been o clamp down meaning that parents cannot communicate with their children and families have lost touch with each other, unable to check on one another’s safety. 

– India is creating this atmosphere of fear and anxiety in Kashmir. 

And this recent repression is not the only way the people from Kashmir have been suffering, multiple people were severely injured, raped or killed.

Wamiq Farouq , a 13 year old who loved cricket, his love for the game cost him his life, he was killed by Indian forces while playing cricket. He was buried with two cricket balls as tribute to his talent. The Indian court set his murderers on bail. 

Hiba Jan, an 18 months old girl, was sitting in her mother’s arms when her eyes were ruptured by pellets fired by forces in her arm, she was too young to express her pain. Pellets hit her mother while she was trying to shield her baby. 

Mubeena Ghani . On May 18 , 1990 , she was to get married . She was wearing an orange bridal dress , hand hennad and ready for her big day. But her dreams were shattered as security personnel opened fire on their bus, injuring the newlyweds, she was raped on her wedding night. 

The stories I’ve just shared with you are only a few of many incidents the Kashmiris have been facing for so many years by the hands of Indian forces. They have been facing inhumane acts for so many years. What I ask of you is to stand with our brothers and sisters in Kashmir, raise awareness and give a voice to those who are forced to be silent and please pray for them to be free from this state of oppression and constant fear . #i_stand_with_kashmir