Special Correspondent: Civil society activists have strongly condemned the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as the “world’s largest open-air prison” under the rule of Narendra Modi.

According to Kashmir Media Service, in a joint statement, the activists said that the Modi-led regime has transformed the disputed territory into a heavily militarized zone, where basic freedoms are systematically denied. They pointed out that with over one million troops deployed, the region remains one of the most militarized areas on earth, with civilians living under constant surveillance and fear.

The activists lamented that India has deprived Kashmiris of their fundamental rights, including the right to life, adding that killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests continue unabated across IIOJK. They highlighted that Indian forces have a long and grim record of massacres in the territory, contributing to a climate of impunity and repression.

Citing data, they stated that from January 1989 to February 2026, at least 96,489 Kashmiris have fallen to Indian bullets, terming it a tragic reflection of decades-long violence. “For nearly eight decades, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured systematic state repression,” the statement read.

The activists further said that under the current dispensation in India, the campaign of suppression has intensified, with increased restrictions on civil liberties, media, and political expression.

Despite the ongoing hardships, they noted that the resilience of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken. However, they emphasized that the suppressed and besieged population continues to look towards the international community for justice, urging global human rights organizations to take cognizance of the situation and hold India accountable.

Reiterating their stance, the activists called for urgent international intervention to address what they described as a prolonged humanitarian and political crisis.