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Thread: ‘Unknown, Unmarked, and Mass Graves of Jammu and Kashmir.’
The existence of 2,700 unknown, unmarked, and mass graves, containing 2,943 bodies, across 55 villages in Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts of Kashmir was documented in 2009 by The International...
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![Thread: ‘Unknown, Unmarked, and Mass Graves of Jammu and Kashmir.’The existence of 2,700 unknown, unmarked, and mass graves, containing 2,943 bodies, across 55 villages in Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts of Kashmir was documented in 2009 by The International...[1]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Etdv-6zXEAAiM7i.jpg "Thread: ‘Unknown, Unmarked, and Mass Graves of Jammu and Kashmir.’The existence of 2,700 unknown, unmarked, and mass graves, containing 2,943 bodies, across 55 villages in Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts of Kashmir was documented in 2009 by The International...[1]")
The existence of 2,700 unknown, unmarked, and mass graves, containing 2,943 bodies, across 55 villages in Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts of Kashmir was documented in 2009 by The International...
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...People’s Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir in it's report in Srinagar: ‘Buried Evidence: Unknown, Unmarked, and Mass Graves’
A woman while mourning her son in Baramulla said in 2009:
“The rivers of Kashmir, and across its lands, are graveyards of our dead”
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![...People’s Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir in it's report in Srinagar: ‘Buried Evidence: Unknown, Unmarked, and Mass Graves’ A woman while mourning her son in Baramulla said in 2009:“The rivers of Kashmir, and across its lands, are graveyards of our dead”[2]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Etdv_v1XUAACyNT.jpg "...People’s Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir in it's report in Srinagar: ‘Buried Evidence: Unknown, Unmarked, and Mass Graves’ A woman while mourning her son in Baramulla said in 2009:“The rivers of Kashmir, and across its lands, are graveyards of our dead”[2]")
A woman while mourning her son in Baramulla said in 2009:
“The rivers of Kashmir, and across its lands, are graveyards of our dead”
[2]
Between 1989 and 2009, actions of India’s military and paramilitary forces in Kashmir have resulted in 8,000+ enforced and involuntary disappearances and 70,000+ deaths through extrajudicial or “fake encounter” executions, custodial brutality, and other means.
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![Between 1989 and 2009, actions of India’s military and paramilitary forces in Kashmir have resulted in 8,000+ enforced and involuntary disappearances and 70,000+ deaths through extrajudicial or “fake encounter” executions, custodial brutality, and other means.[3]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwAx9XUAAgtLQ.jpg "Between 1989 and 2009, actions of India’s military and paramilitary forces in Kashmir have resulted in 8,000+ enforced and involuntary disappearances and 70,000+ deaths through extrajudicial or “fake encounter” executions, custodial brutality, and other means.[3]")
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In Baramulla, of the 1122 graves, 99% of those buried were men. In Kupwara, out of 1453 graves, 1451 were of men. In Bandipora, all 125 graves were of men. Gravediggers and caretakers were unable to give an exact count, given the extent of defacement of some of the bodies.
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![In Baramulla, of the 1122 graves, 99% of those buried were men. In Kupwara, out of 1453 graves, 1451 were of men. In Bandipora, all 125 graves were of men. Gravediggers and caretakers were unable to give an exact count, given the extent of defacement of some of the bodies.[4]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwByrWgAAu-l5.jpg "In Baramulla, of the 1122 graves, 99% of those buried were men. In Kupwara, out of 1453 graves, 1451 were of men. In Bandipora, all 125 graves were of men. Gravediggers and caretakers were unable to give an exact count, given the extent of defacement of some of the bodies.[4]")
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In the 2,700 graves investigated by the tribunal on human rights, the body count was 2,943+. Within the 2,700 graves, 154 graves contained two bodies each and 23 graves contained more than two cadavers. Within these 23 graves, the number of bodies ranged from 3 to 17.
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![In the 2,700 graves investigated by the tribunal on human rights, the body count was 2,943+. Within the 2,700 graves, 154 graves contained two bodies each and 23 graves contained more than two cadavers. Within these 23 graves, the number of bodies ranged from 3 to 17.[5]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwC6sWQAMeNNV.jpg "In the 2,700 graves investigated by the tribunal on human rights, the body count was 2,943+. Within the 2,700 graves, 154 graves contained two bodies each and 23 graves contained more than two cadavers. Within these 23 graves, the number of bodies ranged from 3 to 17.[5]")
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On April 29 2007, Indian armed forces claimed the killing of four militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The First Information Report filed by the police stated that the deceased were “four Pakistani terrorists identified as 1. Abu-Safayan, 2. Abu-Hafiz, 3. Abu-Sadiq, 4. Abu-Ashraf..
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Three of the four male bodies were buried in Sedarpora village in Kupwara. The three bodies were later identified to be residents of Kashmir, killed in fake encounters. The names of deceased were Reyaz Ahmad Bhat, resident of Kalashpora, Srinagar; Manzoor Ahmad Wagay,
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![Three of the four male bodies were buried in Sedarpora village in Kupwara. The three bodies were later identified to be residents of Kashmir, killed in fake encounters. The names of deceased were Reyaz Ahmad Bhat, resident of Kalashpora, Srinagar; Manzoor Ahmad Wagay,[7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwEPjXAAElwRC.jpg "Three of the four male bodies were buried in Sedarpora village in Kupwara. The three bodies were later identified to be residents of Kashmir, killed in fake encounters. The names of deceased were Reyaz Ahmad Bhat, resident of Kalashpora, Srinagar; Manzoor Ahmad Wagay,[7]")
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Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, resident of Letar, Pulwama district; and Sartaj Ahmad Ganai, resident of Tikipora, Shopian district. The identity of fourth body has not been ascertained. In most cases, civilian residents of one area were killed somewhere else and buried elsewhere.
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![Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, resident of Letar, Pulwama district; and Sartaj Ahmad Ganai, resident of Tikipora, Shopian district. The identity of fourth body has not been ascertained. In most cases, civilian residents of one area were killed somewhere else and buried elsewhere.[8]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwFKdWgAAdBpv.jpg "Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, resident of Letar, Pulwama district; and Sartaj Ahmad Ganai, resident of Tikipora, Shopian district. The identity of fourth body has not been ascertained. In most cases, civilian residents of one area were killed somewhere else and buried elsewhere.[8]")
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In few instances, the Muslims killed in the state of Gujarat were buried in Kashmir. Atta Mohammad, 68 years of age, gravedigger and caretaker at Chehal Bimyar in Baramulla district, testified to burying 203 bodies on a hillside adjacent to the Jhelum river b/w 2002-2006.
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![In few instances, the Muslims killed in the state of Gujarat were buried in Kashmir. Atta Mohammad, 68 years of age, gravedigger and caretaker at Chehal Bimyar in Baramulla district, testified to burying 203 bodies on a hillside adjacent to the Jhelum river b/w 2002-2006. [9]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwF_zXYAYBZGe.jpg "In few instances, the Muslims killed in the state of Gujarat were buried in Kashmir. Atta Mohammad, 68 years of age, gravedigger and caretaker at Chehal Bimyar in Baramulla district, testified to burying 203 bodies on a hillside adjacent to the Jhelum river b/w 2002-2006. [9]")
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Continued militarization is accompanied by the use of draconian laws, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, and the Disturbed Areas Act, 1976. These laws provide legal immunity to security forces of India for international crimes and enable continued impunity.
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An unaccounted for number of persons have been arrested under Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002, Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act 1985 and detained without due process. Special laws and Ranbir Penal Code is also enforced.
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“Children ask us about these graves. Children ask us why soldiers are everywhere. Children grow up here thinking violent death is “natural.” (Community elder, Baramullah)
Indian forces have occupied 10,54,721 kanals of land in J&K. 671 security camps have been established.
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![“Children ask us about these graves. Children ask us why soldiers are everywhere. Children grow up here thinking violent death is “natural.” (Community elder, Baramullah)Indian forces have occupied 10,54,721 kanals of land in J&K. 671 security camps have been established.[12]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwH4CXYAEelAU.jpg "“Children ask us about these graves. Children ask us why soldiers are everywhere. Children grow up here thinking violent death is “natural.” (Community elder, Baramullah)Indian forces have occupied 10,54,721 kanals of land in J&K. 671 security camps have been established.[12]")
Indian forces have occupied 10,54,721 kanals of land in J&K. 671 security camps have been established.
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On 7 March 2006, Ali Mohammad Padder was killed in a fake encounter in Ganderbal. Security officials reported Padder to be a foreign militant, named Shaheen Bhai, from Pakistan. Security officials claimed to have recovered an AK-56 rifle. Investigations revealed otherwise:
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The body was identified to be of Ali Mohammad Padder, a junior employee of Rural Development Department and a Kashmiri. A civilian involved in Padder’s burial stated: “The left side of his face was mutilated. They had fired bullets in his head. His shirt was burnt”
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Local community members have testified that, in addition to burials, bodies of innocents killed by Indian forces have been disposed of in the Chenab and Jhelum rivers. For example, on Jan 1, 1996, four persons were cast into in the Chenab river in Doda district.
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Only Talib Hussain survived: “On the evening of Jan 1 1996, Mohammad Hussain, Fazal Hussain, Faried Ahmad, and I were picked up from the home by members of the Village Defence Committee (VDC).” VDC members are recruited by Hindu militant groups with support of the state.
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![Only Talib Hussain survived: “On the evening of Jan 1 1996, Mohammad Hussain, Fazal Hussain, Faried Ahmad, and I were picked up from the home by members of the Village Defence Committee (VDC).” VDC members are recruited by Hindu militant groups with support of the state.[16]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwJt7WYAAJDgp.jpg "Only Talib Hussain survived: “On the evening of Jan 1 1996, Mohammad Hussain, Fazal Hussain, Faried Ahmad, and I were picked up from the home by members of the Village Defence Committee (VDC).” VDC members are recruited by Hindu militant groups with support of the state.[16]")
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Located between the Shamsbari and Pirpanchal mountain ranges, Kupwara is one of the most heavily militarized zones in Kashmir. In Handwara town, a watchtower regulates the movement. 6 army camps and 7 interrogation centres have been operational in the surrounding area.
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In Kupwara, only 209 disappearances have been confirmed between 1989 and 2009. But the tribunal's findings were shocking. In Tumina Chak, the graveyard holds 34 nameless graves buried by locals since its establishment in 2004. Its in the vicinity of Rashtriya Rifles cantt.
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![In Kupwara, only 209 disappearances have been confirmed between 1989 and 2009. But the tribunal's findings were shocking. In Tumina Chak, the graveyard holds 34 nameless graves buried by locals since its establishment in 2004. Its in the vicinity of Rashtriya Rifles cantt.[18]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwLYWWgAAzg7N.jpg "In Kupwara, only 209 disappearances have been confirmed between 1989 and 2009. But the tribunal's findings were shocking. In Tumina Chak, the graveyard holds 34 nameless graves buried by locals since its establishment in 2004. Its in the vicinity of Rashtriya Rifles cantt.[18]")
![In Kupwara, only 209 disappearances have been confirmed between 1989 and 2009. But the tribunal's findings were shocking. In Tumina Chak, the graveyard holds 34 nameless graves buried by locals since its establishment in 2004. Its in the vicinity of Rashtriya Rifles cantt.[18]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwLqtXYAkQ3oT.jpg "In Kupwara, only 209 disappearances have been confirmed between 1989 and 2009. But the tribunal's findings were shocking. In Tumina Chak, the graveyard holds 34 nameless graves buried by locals since its establishment in 2004. Its in the vicinity of Rashtriya Rifles cantt.[18]")
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In Regipora, a graveyard holds 260 graves of which two have been identified. The Kalarus Main (Martyrs) graveyard was constructed on land belonging to the local mosque in June 1993, for the burial of a local woman, identified as Guljan, who was killed by security forces.
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![In Regipora, a graveyard holds 260 graves of which two have been identified. The Kalarus Main (Martyrs) graveyard was constructed on land belonging to the local mosque in June 1993, for the burial of a local woman, identified as Guljan, who was killed by security forces.[19]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwMlYXcAoYcVg.jpg "In Regipora, a graveyard holds 260 graves of which two have been identified. The Kalarus Main (Martyrs) graveyard was constructed on land belonging to the local mosque in June 1993, for the burial of a local woman, identified as Guljan, who was killed by security forces.[19]")
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Kralpora is 108 kilometres from Srinagar. It's residence of the late Abdul Gani Lone who was leader of the People’s Conference. A graveyard was established in Kralpora in 1990 where 285 persons have been buried who were brought to local residents by Indian armed forces.
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![Kralpora is 108 kilometres from Srinagar. It's residence of the late Abdul Gani Lone who was leader of the People’s Conference. A graveyard was established in Kralpora in 1990 where 285 persons have been buried who were brought to local residents by Indian armed forces.[20]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwNUWXIAYQH9V.jpg "Kralpora is 108 kilometres from Srinagar. It's residence of the late Abdul Gani Lone who was leader of the People’s Conference. A graveyard was established in Kralpora in 1990 where 285 persons have been buried who were brought to local residents by Indian armed forces.[20]")
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Baramulla is the most populated district in Kashmir. It has a heavy military presence with 29 camps of the Indian armed forces. Majority are torture camps. The tribunal found 1013 unnamed graves in which 17 graves had a total of 76 buried bodies.
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![Baramulla is the most populated district in Kashmir. It has a heavy military presence with 29 camps of the Indian armed forces. Majority are torture camps. The tribunal found 1013 unnamed graves in which 17 graves had a total of 76 buried bodies.[21]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwOZ6XIAAbU40.jpg "Baramulla is the most populated district in Kashmir. It has a heavy military presence with 29 camps of the Indian armed forces. Majority are torture camps. The tribunal found 1013 unnamed graves in which 17 graves had a total of 76 buried bodies.[21]")
![Baramulla is the most populated district in Kashmir. It has a heavy military presence with 29 camps of the Indian armed forces. Majority are torture camps. The tribunal found 1013 unnamed graves in which 17 graves had a total of 76 buried bodies.[21]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwO7FXMAAn8lb.jpg "Baramulla is the most populated district in Kashmir. It has a heavy military presence with 29 camps of the Indian armed forces. Majority are torture camps. The tribunal found 1013 unnamed graves in which 17 graves had a total of 76 buried bodies.[21]")
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Kichama, Sheeri, the main graveyard (A) contains 105 graves. Adjacent to this are 60 graves (B). Together (A) and (B) hold 230 bodies buried between 1994-2003. Graveyard caretakers stated that 60 graves (B), each holding 2 bodies, are less distinguishable and flattened.
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![Kichama, Sheeri, the main graveyard (A) contains 105 graves. Adjacent to this are 60 graves (B). Together (A) and (B) hold 230 bodies buried between 1994-2003. Graveyard caretakers stated that 60 graves (B), each holding 2 bodies, are less distinguishable and flattened.[22]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwQGZXMAIwHrs.jpg "Kichama, Sheeri, the main graveyard (A) contains 105 graves. Adjacent to this are 60 graves (B). Together (A) and (B) hold 230 bodies buried between 1994-2003. Graveyard caretakers stated that 60 graves (B), each holding 2 bodies, are less distinguishable and flattened.[22]")
![Kichama, Sheeri, the main graveyard (A) contains 105 graves. Adjacent to this are 60 graves (B). Together (A) and (B) hold 230 bodies buried between 1994-2003. Graveyard caretakers stated that 60 graves (B), each holding 2 bodies, are less distinguishable and flattened.[22]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdwQloXcAcniR0.jpg "Kichama, Sheeri, the main graveyard (A) contains 105 graves. Adjacent to this are 60 graves (B). Together (A) and (B) hold 230 bodies buried between 1994-2003. Graveyard caretakers stated that 60 graves (B), each holding 2 bodies, are less distinguishable and flattened.[22]")
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In Manasbal, Bandipora district, army bunkers, barracks, barbed wire fences and a checkpoint are built on 3,000 kanals of land which forcibly “coexist” with laboratories. Sher-e-Kashmir University has been taken over by Indian army. The tribunal found 82 unnamed graves.
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![In Manasbal, Bandipora district, army bunkers, barracks, barbed wire fences and a checkpoint are built on 3,000 kanals of land which forcibly “coexist” with laboratories. Sher-e-Kashmir University has been taken over by Indian army. The tribunal found 82 unnamed graves.[23]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Etd7ziSWgAE-508.jpg "In Manasbal, Bandipora district, army bunkers, barracks, barbed wire fences and a checkpoint are built on 3,000 kanals of land which forcibly “coexist” with laboratories. Sher-e-Kashmir University has been taken over by Indian army. The tribunal found 82 unnamed graves.[23]")
![In Manasbal, Bandipora district, army bunkers, barracks, barbed wire fences and a checkpoint are built on 3,000 kanals of land which forcibly “coexist” with laboratories. Sher-e-Kashmir University has been taken over by Indian army. The tribunal found 82 unnamed graves.[23]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Etd70YzWQAocFQ-.jpg "In Manasbal, Bandipora district, army bunkers, barracks, barbed wire fences and a checkpoint are built on 3,000 kanals of land which forcibly “coexist” with laboratories. Sher-e-Kashmir University has been taken over by Indian army. The tribunal found 82 unnamed graves.[23]")
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One of the graves holds the body of Abdur Rehman Padder, a carpenter, age 35. He was abducted by Indian forces on Dec 8, 2006. His mutilated body was brought to Batmohalla Sumbal from the hospital in Waskura and buried. Later, Padder’s body was exhumed and buried in Bandipora.
Note that these horrific accounts of a genocide by Indian armed forces are only from the investigations in villages of Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara. There are 22 districts in Indian Occupied Kashmir and 6,768 villages in total. The situation is the same in other villages.
