Where the world is celebrating women’s day with full enthusiasm and people are holding placards of equality and freedom with slogans of Mera Jism Meri Marzi (My Body My Choice) and chanting slogans to fill this gap of gender-bias, our sisters and mothers are still knocking the door of justice in Kashmir.
The land which has been called a paradise on earth is now barren and full of tyrants. Remembering the night of 23 February, 1991, the alleged mass rape incident of “Kunan Poshpora” occurred. This is the night of humility and brutality for the whole of Kashmir when dignity was rubbed under our feet and our future generation was killed without any guilt.
The night when the villagers were ready to go to bed the doors knocked loudly. Everyone was very terrified because they heard of such incidents happening earlier.
In a mass operation, the army has the right to enter houses without any hesitation, fully armed. The villagers were evacuated from houses and the male members of the community were taken aside. The teenage girls and women were kept in the houses. Allegedly, 30 women including teenagers were raped in the darkness of that night.
Where is the so-called United Nations which is the nominal protector of human rights? Till now those 30 women are asking for justice. Who will help them? The case was dismissed because of a lack of evidence but it was reopened again.
What will you say about the two sisters who were the pride of our nation? The Shopian rape and murder; they still haven’t gotten justice? The mothers whose children have disappeared still await justice. Who will tell them they have been killed and will not come back?
Our then state minister Naeem Akhtar has also said that the perpetrators are shielded by the government. If you can’t give justice and make us feel free in this environment then who will come to us and give us justice.
Remember, there is no specific date for the women’s day celebration. Every day is women’s day because it is the women because of whom we are in the world. It is not to distribute gifts and remember your beloved ones on this particular date but be the voice of voiceless people, especially women who have been suppressed.
We will enjoy and celebrate women’s day when we get justice for all those who are demanding justice.
I am hopeful that this voice will be raised and the oppressed classes will get their rights whether it is Kashmir or anywhere else in the world where women are suffering. That will be our special women’s day.