London: Head of World Kashmir Freedom Movement, Muzammil Ayyub Thakur has said that the two villages in Kupwara district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Kunanposhpora, are remembered as a dark chapter in the history of human rights due to the tragic incident that occurred on the night of February 23, 1991.

He said that during a search operation that night, Indian army personnel subjected numerous Kashmiri women to mass sexual assault. In a video statement posted on his X account, he stated that the ages of the affected women ranged from 8 to 80 years, and that more than one hundred women reportedly faced sexual violence.

Following the incident, severe fear and panic spread among the local population, while the victims also faced social pressure and stigma. According to eyewitnesses and affected families, security personnel entered homes throughout the night, separated men from the women, and subjected the women to severe abuse.

It was stated in the video that one victim reported partial paralysis as a result of the assault. Another affected woman reportedly gave birth on March 25, 1991 to a baby girl with a broken leg. She stated that after assaulting her, the soldiers kicked her in the stomach, injuring her unborn child, who was born with a fractured leg.

Residents of Kunanposhpora have said that many survivors continue to suffer from psychological trauma. According to the statement, the occupying forces allegedly used sexual violence as a weapon of war, and several medical reports and preliminary investigations by human rights organizations confirmed evidence of assault.

Indian authorities denied the allegations; however, Kashmiri people and international human rights organizations have consistently demanded an independent and transparent investigation. Families of the victims say that despite more than three decades having passed, they have not received justice, and the case has repeatedly been closed or stalled.

Every year on 23 February, Kashmiris and social activists hold events to commemorate the tragedy, observing the day as Women's Resistance Day.

The video highlighted the historical incident, the events of that night, and testimonies of the affected women. Muzammil Ayyub Thakur stated that the Kunanposhpora tragedy is not only a symbol of violence against Kashmiri women but also a significant example of human rights violations in the Kashmir dispute. He emphasized that a transparent investigation into the Kunanposhpora incident and holding those responsible accountable would be an important step toward restoring justice and trust in the region.