​Help us create a well orchestrated campaign to increase international pressure to end the illegal Indian occupation of Kashmir. 

​What is happening in Kashmir?

Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir, the most densely militarized region in the world and a hot nuclear flashpoint, are in dire need of the world’s attention. 

On August 5, 2019, the Indian government, without the consent of the Kashmir state legislature, unconstitutionally revoked the last vestige of Kashmir’s autonomy granted by Articles 370 and 35a in the Indian constitution. This denies Kashmiris the right to self-determination and is in direct violation of long standing United Nations Security Council resolutions.  Kashmir stands dispossessed of its lawmaking and execution powers.

While the Indian government claims that this move is in the best interests of the Kashmiri people and will fuel economic development, the events leading up to August 5 suggest otherwise.  According to the New York Times Editorial Board, “Modi and his governing BJP party, deeply rooted in Hindu nationalist ideology, have long made no secret of their intention to revoke the articles in the Indian Constitution granting the predominantly Muslim Kashmir a special status - a move the BJP sees as correcting a historical blunder.”  In preparation for this cavalier takeover, at the start of Dhul Hijjah, an additional 35,000 Indian security forces were dispatched to a region already occupied by 500,000+ troops. Kashmiris have been subject to an internet blackout, while landline and cell phone communication have also been gagged.  Kashmir is under intense 24 hour curfew, akin to house arrest, and key Kashmiri leaders have been arrested. 

The global Kashmiri diaspora is in a state of utter shock. Most of us have not been able to reach our immediate family members and relatives in days. This post by Muzamil Jaleel, editor of the Indian Express, captures the gravity of the current crisis:

The Indian government has insinuated that the shutdown could last up to 3 months, crippling the local economy, cutting off critical supplies, and compromising the livelihoods and health of the local population.It is critical that the international community apply significant political pressure to protect Kashmiris from this major act of aggression and deliberate effort to ethnically sanitize the region.

​Who are we and what is our plan?

Stand with Kashmir is a grassroots global solidarity campaign that has mobilized in hundreds of cities to stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir in ending the occupation. We work around the clock to raise awareness of what is happening in Kashmir, counter propaganda journalism and fake news, inform and educate journalists, human rights organizations, elected officials, and foreign policy makers, create tool kits to empower our coalition partners, and give voice to Kashmiris in Kashmir by consolidating and distributing local journalism, stories, and art.

At this time, Stand with Kashmir demands the:

• Immediate cessation of hostilities against Kashmiri civilians undertaken by GOI leading to their revocation of Article 370 and its protections;
• Restore the rights of the Kashmiri people by ending the communications blackout,  military-enforced curfew, blockades, and human rights violations.
• Allowing UN and/or other international observers/monitors on the ground to document a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir;
• Resist efforts to repeal Article 35A of the Indian Constitution, which grants privileges and protections to residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, until a permanent solution is found with the will and agreement of all Kashmiris;
• Releasing all prisoners detained for political reasons as well as those held in administrative detention without charge and/or trial.
• Allowing freedom of movement including individuals, goods, essential supplies and transportation for residents of Jammu and Kashmir;
• Commit to holding a referendum under international and UN supervision that guarantees a free and impartial vote as enshrined in successive UN Resolutions ensuring the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination.

How can you help?

We are a 100% volunteer driven effort. While this will always remain the backbone of our strategy, we need dedicated resources that can help us amplify our efforts in this time of crisis. Specifically, your support will address the following needs:

- Fees related to maintaining our cross-channel technology platforms such as website, domain, collaboration tools etc.

- Content writers to develop authentic, original written and visual media

- Fees related to managing our campaigns ads on various social media platforms

- Legal fees related to incorporation of SWK

- SWK-related events including regional leadership training workshop

- Professional consultation fees around strategy and branding

Note: SWK is working on incorporating as a tax-exempt 501c3 organization. These funds won't be available unless we have the official nonprofit account linked. We appreciate your patience and support

Link to the Website:

www.standwithkashmir.org

Read More:

There is reason to fear for the safety of every Kashmiri in India 

And Kashmiris shall immediately cease to exist 

India Moves to Strip Kashmir of Autonomy, Potentially Setting Up Conflict in Disputed Territory

Hindu Nationalists Head Off a Cliff in Kashmir