Choking Srinagar reflects the ongoing human rights crisis in India's illegal Indian-held Jammu and Kashmir as Exploitation Day is celebrated. The Exploitation Day, celebrated vigorously in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is a dark day in the history of South Asia, exposing the unilateral and illegal actions taken by New Delhi on August 5, 2019.

For millions of people living in the valley, normal life is still mired in intense militancy. In places, canals, barbed wire and severe restrictions on communication are crippling the local economy and denying basic freedoms. Political leaders are illegally imprisoned and civil liberties have been systematically eroded over the years. The authorities of Islamabad and Muzaffarabad have continuously raised their voice on international forums against the attempts of demographic change in the disputed area.

Bitter reality of Exploitation Day

The draconian restrictions imposed on August 5, 2019 ended the region's special sovereign status under Articles 370 and 335 of the Indian Constitution. Since then, Exploitation Day has been observed annually as an annual reminder of the violation of international commitments and the trampling of UN Security Council resolutions. Human rights organizations continue to document arbitrary arrests, media censorship and suppression of dissent in the Occupied Valley.

Ordinary citizens of Srinagar are facing severe economic hardship due to repeated curfews, decline in tourism and trade disruptions. Local entrepreneurs, artisans and students are bearing the brunt of this prolonged government repression. Pressure is mounting on the international community and human rights watchdogs to demand unfettered access to the region to allow an independent assessment of the facts on the ground.

Important information for readers

If you're keeping a close eye on regional developments, it's important to consider their broader geopolitical implications.

  • Participate in solidarity events held in major cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar.
  • Access official statements and human rights reports issued by Ministry of External Affairs website mofa.gov.pk.
  • Monitor international parliamentary debates and resolutions related to the humanitarian situation in the Valley.

What to watch next

Diplomatic efforts of Pakistan in UN General Assembly and OIC are of utmost importance. Keep an eye out for upcoming diplomatic resolutions, international human rights dossiers and statements from world capitals regarding South Asia's ongoing political standoff.