Kashmiri leaders on Sunday condemned the Indian government’s handling of the Sindoor operation, slamming the deployment of 70,000 troops for the Amarnath Yatra as an act of military aggression and accusing New Delhi of using the pilgrimage as a cover to further militarize the region, warning that it could lead to increased human rights violations.
Talking to PTV News channel, Shamim Shawl, a senior Kashmiri leader and a prominent voice in the region, criticized the Indian government’s actions, describing it as a clear sign of insecurity.
He condemned the excessive deployment of security forces, labeling it as an unnecessary show of force that only serves to further alienate the people of Kashmir.
Shawl argued that such militarization heightens tension and distrust, exacerbating the already fragile situation in the region.
She warned that this heavy-handed approach was bound to provoke more unrest and deepen the divide between Kashmiris and New Delhi.
She condemned the use of the word “Sindoor” for the operation, calling it a direct insult to women, as it carried deeply offensive connotations.
She emphasized that such terminology was not only disrespectful but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the dignity of Kashmiri women.
Furthermore, she pointed out that the operation had failed miserably, exposing India’s true intentions and its inability to maintain control over the region without resorting to such aggressive measures.
Another Kashmiri leader, Abdul Hameed Lon, also launched a scathing attack, stating that after its defeat by Pakistan, the Indian government should feel ashamed of its actions in Kashmir.
He emphasized that the excessive military presence, which outnumbers the local Kashmiri population, is a clear reflection of the government’s insecurity.
Lon also highlighted that during the recent Hajj pilgrimage, no Kashmiri was able to travel without being accompanied by military personnel, further proving the extent of militarization in the region and the government’s ongoing efforts to stifle Kashmiri freedom.
Both Kashmiri leaders asserted that India must come to terms with the fact that Kashmiris will never be a part of India, regardless of the measures it takes.
The leaders emphasized that no amount of military presence, coercion or political manipulation will ever change the fundamental reality of Kashmir’s distinct identity and its people’s unwavering desire for self-determination.
They pointed out that Kashmiris have consistently resisted Indian rule and despite the government’s aggressive tactics, the region’s struggle for autonomy remains steadfast.
The leaders reiterated that any efforts to suppress the Kashmiri voice or force assimilation would only lead to further resentment and resistance, rather than compliance.
They called on the Indian government to abandon its tactics of militarization and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with the people of Kashmir to address their aspirations.