Kashmiri Widows and Half-Widows Struggle Amid Continued Indian Atrocities

Srinagar: As the world observes International Widows’ Day today, Kashmiri widows and half-widows in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to await justice in the face of unabated Indian atrocities.

According to Radio Pakistan, a report released by Kashmir Media Service states that about twenty-three thousand Kashmiri women became widows from January 1989 to May 2026 due to Indian state terrorism. This ongoing situation highlights the enduring impact of conflict on the civilian population, particularly women who have lost their spouses.

Since 1989, the forced disappearance of over 10,000 Kashmiris has left over 2,000 women in the territory to live as half-widows without their husbands. The absence of these men has created a significant social and economic burden on the affected families, with many women struggling to cope with the uncertainty of their husbands’ fates.

Meanwhile, a complete strike was observed across Ladakh today against India’s failure to meet the political demands of the people. Normal life remained disrupted in Leh and Kargil districts as markets, businesses, and commercial centres remained closed. This strike signifies the growing unrest and dissatisfaction among the local population regarding the political situation in the region.