RECALLING THE NOVEMBER 6TH,1947

Seventy-five years have passed, but the quest for justice for the victims of the Jammu Massacre endures. The Massacre of November 6, 1947, in the Jammu region of Kashmir serves as a haunting reminder of the brutalities that unfolded during a time of intense conflict. The systematic attacks on Muslim communities, adopted by extremists and fueled by hatred, remain a painful chapter in history. We must confront these torment truths, as we seek acknowledgment, reconciliation, and justice.

By ANEEQA AAMIR

Muslim communities in Jammu city were subjected to a cruel and calculated siege. Over 200,000 Muslims lost their lives while attempting to migrate to Pakistan. Many more were forced to leave their homes. While some Muslims displayed great bravery in the face of adversity, in most areas, the violence against them was overwhelmingly one-sided. They were denied access to necessities like water and food, amplifying their vulnerability. Muslim police officers were also discharged.

Acts Of Inhumanity

This created an alarming power imbalance, encouraging extremist groups to carry out heinous acts of violence against innocent civilians. The very institutions meant to protect citizens became instruments of terror. The scale of the atrocities is difficult to comprehend. Villages were attacked, houses were set ablaze, and possessions were looted. These acts of inhumanity not only perpetuated suffering but also demonstrated a chilling indifference to the sanctity of human life.

The accounts of the survivors and historical records alike bear witness to the atrocities committed. During the events of November 6, the entire Muslim population in Muslim-majority areas like Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, and others suffered devastating losses. Their homes were razed, and countless women were taken captive. In 1947, Muslims made up 80 percent of the population.

123 villages with Muslim majorities were entirely depopulated

As a consequence of the massacre, they became a minority. In Jammu alone, 123 villages with Muslim majorities were entirely depopulated. In Kathua district, half of the Muslim population was lost. In the Ramnagar area, thousands of Gujars were brutally killed, and the village of Raipur was reduced to ashes. Gujjar communities, known for their peaceful contribution to society, were not spared from the savagery. This was a genocide on a massive scale reducing the Muslim population in Jammu from 61% to 33%.

The horrors of the Jammu Massacre cannot and should not be consigned to the shadows of history. It is our collective responsibility to acknowledge these unspeakable acts and demand justice for the victims and their families. The perpetrators, whether state actors or extremist elements, must be held accountable for their crimes against humanity. As we reflect on the Jammu Massacre, we do so with a solemn commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never recur.

It is a call to action for societies worldwide to stand together against hatred, violence, and discrimination. By facing these painful truths head-on, we pave the way for a future marked by compassion, understanding, and a steadfast dedication to justice. We must confront the painful truths of the Jammu Massacre.

Aneeqa Aamir is pursuing Bachelor of IR from the International Islamic University, Islamabad and currently, she is an intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations

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