Lost Paradise the Dark Legacy of Kashmir Balck Day
TEHRAN (Iran News) The Indian state has employed repressive measures to silence the legitimate aspirations of Kashmiris, includ- ing widespread human rights violations. From the use of pellet guns which have blinded and maimed hundreds to enforced disappearances, extra judicial executions, and sexual violence, the Indian occupation forces have weaponized fear. The valley has become one of the most militarized regions in the world, with 100,000 soldiers stationed for a civilian population of around 12 million, creating an atmosphere of perpetual surveillance and dread.
The relentless violence has devastated families and communities. The tragic killing of Sajad Ahmad Dar In 2024 during crossfire between militants and Indian forces, the forced displacement of families like Rubina
Bano’s amidst clashes, and the targeted killing of peace activist Zara Bhat are all stark reminders of the personal toll this occupation continues to exact, These stories are just a glimpse of the ongoing human trage- dy unfolding in Kashmir.
Educational institutions have not been spared either. In early 2024, schools in Baramulla were caught in a siege and search operation by Indian forces, traumatiz- ing young students. Such incidents reflect how every aspect of life in Kashmir has been disrupted, from education to daily living, robbing generations of children of their future.
The essence of Kashmir’s transformation is stark: what was once a haven of natural beauty has been desecrat- ed into a zone of unceasing conflict and terror. Black Day serves as an annual reminder of the stolen dreams of the Kashmiri people, who continue to resist the systematic brutality of an occupation determined to erase their Identity and suppress their right to self-de- termination.
Kashmir’s struggle is not just a political issue but a human one a battle for the soul of a people who long for peace, freedom, and the restoration of their para- dise. The beauty of the valley may still capture the imagination of the world, but its people live in the shad- ows of an unrelenting occupation, with their heaven transformed into a hell on Earth.