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In a powerful personal narrative, Tazeen Hasan captures the extraordinary journey of Jamal Arakani, a Rohingya refugee photographer, as he defies the odds and pursues his passion amidst adversity. From the confines of a refugee camp, Jamal's unwavering determination and unwritten dreams take center stage.
My name is Jamal, and I am a Rohingya refugee photographer. I was born and raised in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. From the moment I came into this world, I have never known anything other than life as a refugee. My motherland, Arakan, remains a distant dream, controlled by Myanmar while I am confined to the boundaries of the camp. The world often sees us refugees as a mass of people trapped in desperate conditions, living in abject poverty. Seldom do they recognize the dreams and creativity that reside within us. But even in the midst of such challenging circumstances, I refused to let go of my aspirations. From a young age, I nurtured a burning desire to become a journalist, to tell the stories of my people and shed light on the injustices we face. Unfortunately, as a refugee, pursuing my dreams seemed like an impossible task. I didn't have access to high-end cameras or sophisticated equipment. I didn't even possess the basic documentation or identity papers that would allow me to move freely. But that didn't stop me from dreaming or striving for my goals. With determination and resourcefulness, I began taking photographs with my friend's mobile phone. I would capture the daily life in the camp, the struggles and the moments of resilience. I started sharing these pictures on social media, hoping to give voice to the plight of my people. One day, out of the blue, I received a message on Twitter from someone who wanted to use my pictures. I agreed, and although I was not credited for my images, they generously gifted me some money. With that small amount, I purchased a second-hand smartphone from a neighbor and began taking photographs daily, using my own equipment. In 2017, when the October crisis erupted in Rakhine state, an overwhelming number of Rohingya people fled from Myanmar to seek refuge in Bangladesh. I was there, with my camera in hand, documenting the heart-wrenching scenes before me. I captured the pain, the fear, and the resilience of my people as they navigated through the chaos. I sent my photographs and video footage to various international media outlets, hoping that the world would bear witness to our struggle. Over time, my work started to gain recognition. Images I had captured made their way to prestigious publications such as The Guardian, Reuters, Paris Match, Al Jazeera, BBC News Bangla, Tempo English, CNN Voice of America, Head On Photo Festival, Peoples Dispatch, and more. It was a bittersweet feeling because, as a refugee, I lacked the necessary identity papers to claim credit for my work. I had no bank account to receive payment or formal recognition. But despite this, I found solace and joy in knowing that my creative work had made it to the eyes of the world through these renowned channels. Being a refugee comes with its share of limitations and struggles, but it does not define us solely by our circumstances. It does not strip us of our dreams or our creative spirit. I am Jamal, a Rohingya refugee photographer, and I am determined to continue capturing the stories of my people, even if I remain nameless and unrecognized. Through my lens, I hope to bring attention to the resilience, strength, and humanity that exists within the refugee community. This is a story of personal resilience and determination of a born refugee #Refugeephotography #HumanizingRefugeeStoriesThroughTheLens #Rohingya-Myanmar Tazeen Hassan
The recent visit of former Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett to Canada has sparked controversy and raised questions about potential violations of Canadian law. Canadian lawyers have taken action by filing a court case against him, alleging his involvement in the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. This case sheds light on what constitutes a crime against humanity in Canadian law, as this series of articles explores the legal aspects surrounding Bennett's visit and delves into why it should have been banned according to Canadian law. Neftali Bennett served as prime minister in a coalition government for a little over a year between June 2021 and June 2022. During his tenure, he made voluntary and significant contributions to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, which are in direct violation of Canadian law. Justice For All Canada stands in solidarity with Khaled Mouammar, a former national president of the Canadian Arab Federation and Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Palestinian and Jewish Unity, Just Peace Advocates, and the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute, who have submitted a court file urging Canadian Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino to deny Bennetts entry into Canada. The Allegations and Legal Basis: The court filing, submitted by these reputable NGOs, alleges that Bennett has committed war crimes in violation of both international and Canadian law. It argues that Bennett's actions fall within the scope of 6(1)(c) and 6(1.1) of Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, which pertain to voluntary and significant contributions to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Golan Heights. According to Canada's laws, the transfer of parts of an occupying power's civilian population into occupied territory is explicitly designated as a war crime. The court filings further assert that Minister Mendicino has the authority to declare Bennett inadmissible to Canada under sections 35(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act. The request contends that Bennett should be denied entry to Canada pursuant to these sections. Bennett's involvement in the expansion of Israeli settlements not only violates international law but also undermines the rights and well-being of Palestinian children, who have been suffering from the consequences of occupation for decades. It is imperative that Canadian law is upheld to ensure justice and accountability for potential crimes against humanity. The allegations surrounding Neftali Bennett's actions during his time as the Israeli prime minister raise important legal questions regarding crimes against humanity in Canadian law. The series of articles below aims to examine the legal aspects surrounding his visit and shed light on why he should have been banned according to Canadian law. By exploring the connection between Bennett's alleged involvement in the expansion of Israeli settlements and the principles of Canadian law, we emphasize the need for a thorough examination of the events and the adherence to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Reference: Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act (S.C. 2000, c. 24), act current to 2023-05-29, last amended on 2019-09-19. Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-45.9/fulltext.html Shanmugathas, Pitasanna. "Canada: NGOs request federal court block former Israel PM’s visit." Jurist Legal News and Commentary, 3 June 2023. Accessed 17 June 2023. https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/06/canada-ngos-request-federal-court-block-former-israel-pms-visit/ Barrera, Jorge. "Groups file court application over whether Canada's laws allow entry of former Israeli PM." CBC News, 2 June 2023. Accessed 17 June 2023. Available at: [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/naftali-bennett-court-action-entry-to-canada-1.6862843].  Mohammed al-Tamimi, a 2.5-year-old toddler, became the youngest victim in the series of tragic deaths among Palestinian children this year. Shot in the head by Israeli forces, his young life was cut short, with his brain vessels ruptured beyond repair. This heart-wrenching incident occurred in Gaza and the West Bank, territories that have been heavily impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mohammed's story is just one example of the ongoing violence and loss of life that Palestinian children endure daily. Regrettably, he is not the only child who has fallen victim to such tragic circumstances. His death marks the 27th case of a Palestinian child killed by Israeli forces in 2023 alone. The constant killing of Palestinian children, including toddlers and infants, using live ammunition by Israeli soldiers, is a grave violation of human rights and humanitarian principles. International law clearly states that the use of lethal force should only be employed as a last resort, when there is an imminent threat to life. However, the repeated incidents of children being targeted suggest a systemic failure to protect the most vulnerable individuals in this conflict.
Every child, regardless of their nationality, place of residence or ethnicity, is entitled to the right to life, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The loss of innocent lives and the resulting trauma inflicted upon Palestinian children not only obstructs the path to a peaceful resolution but also fuels an unending cycle of violence and revenge. Despite its reputation as a champion of human rights, Canada has been disappointingly indifferent to the plight of Palestine. The Canadian government's lack of action in addressing the Israeli occupation and apartheid policies is concerning. It is crucial for Canadian policymakers to recognize their role in influencing change and promoting justice in the region. Canada's support for the Israeli government's policies, including military cooperation and economic ties, cannot be disregarded. By continuing these associations, Canada indirectly sustains an oppressive regime that perpetuates human rights abuses and denies Palestinians their basic rights, including the right to self-determination. To rectify this situation, Canadian policymakers must take immediate action to halt their support for the Israeli occupation and apartheid regime. By doing so, Canada can contribute to ending the cycle of violence and fostering a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Furthermore, Canadian citizens must hold their representatives accountable and demand a shift in policy. Grassroots movements and civil society organizations have a vital role to play in raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for change. It is imperative to mobilize public opinion and urge policymakers to take a principled stance against the violations of Palestinian rights. You Can Take Action!
Tazeen Hasan exposes the persistent hatred that Kashmiris face within Indian society under Indian domination. The discrimination and hatred perpetuated by the Hindutva leadership are pushing towards the full-scale genocide of Kashmiris and Indian Muslims.
In October 2021, a shocking display of prejudice occurred when an Indian politician belonging to the ruling BJP party brazenly declared that Kashmiris should be skinned alive, suggesting that Pakistani blood runs through their veins. This statement was made in response to the arrest of three Kashmiri engineering students in Agra, Uttar Pradesh province of India, who were accused of celebrating Pakistan's victory in an Indo-Pak cricket match. This incident serves as a glaring example of the discrimination and hatred faced by Kashmiris in India, shedding light on a distressing reality that cannot be ignored. The trio was apprehended under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, including charges of promoting enmity between different groups and "cyber terrorism." The discrimination and hatred didn't end there. The local bar associations in Agra refused to represent them, and on one occasion, the students were physically assaulted within the premises of the Agra court. Even when the court eventually granted them bail in March 2022, not a single person from Agra was willing to come forward as their surety. The students endured a grueling six months in detention, facing harsh bail conditions before finally securing their release. The question arises: How did such discrimination occur in the largest ‘democracy’ in the world? The answer lies in their religio-ethnic background; the students were Kashmiris and Muslims. Kashmiris have long been subjected to harassment and discrimination in India, despite India's insistence that they are Indian citizens. They are often targets of systemic bias solely based on their Kashmiri identity, which denies them access to housing and infringes on their basic rights, perpetuating a sense of exclusion and marginalization within society. Renowned author Basharat Peer's personal experiences further shed light on the existence of an apartheid-like situation faced by Kashmiris. His accounts of struggling to find rental accommodation in Delhi and witnessing Indian passengers refusing to offer seats to Kashmiri army troops highlights the unique dynamics of the military-civilian relationship in Kashmir. This observation suggests that Kashmiris often feel compelled to comply with the demands of Indian army personnel, reflecting deep-rooted prejudices resembling an apartheid-like situation, even in the early 1990s. Discrimination against Kashmiris extends beyond daily life experiences and permeates the realm of imprisonment. Kashmiri prisoners held outside of Kashmir are frequently labeled as terrorists and face hatred and mistreatment from fellow inmates, prison guards, and even jail health care staff. Instances of dehumanization, harassment, and denial of basic rights are distressingly common, as vividly described by Sehar Shah, the daughter of Kashmiri politician Shabir Shah, who recounts her recurring ordeals with the guards of Tihar Jail during her visits to her father. The accounts of discrimination and humiliation suffered by Kashmiri prisoners paint a harrowing picture. It is crucial to acknowledge that these injustices are inflicted upon the Kashmiri people despite promises made by India's founding father, Jawaharlal Nehru, to grant them a plebiscite for self-determination. Moreover, 17 United Nations Security Council resolutions recognize the right of self-determination for Kashmiris. However, the ongoing discrimination against them exposes a tragic reality. Kashmiris face discrimination in India because they are not perceived as Indians. The recent statement by the BJP politician calling for the skinning alive of Kashmiris is a testament to the underlying and heavily problematic mindset that views Kashmiris as inferior outsiders. This discriminatory treatment parallels the dark history of settler colonialism, where land was desired, but indigenous people were marginalized or eliminated. Kashmiris find themselves caught in a similar struggle as India seeks control over the region while completely disregarding the rights and well-being of its people. The world must pay attention and take action against this flagrant injustice, ensuring that the discrimination faced by Kashmiris is unequivocally addressed and rectified. #Kashmir Tazeen Hasan produced this personal narrative on behalf of Sehar Shah based on her one-to-one communication with Shah. Shah's postings on Facebook and Twitter have also been used for details.
My name is Sehar Shabir Shah, and I am the daughter of the renowned "Prisoner of Conscience," Shabir Ahmad Shah, who has endured a staggering 36 years of his life behind bars. Our lives have been marked by constant struggles and challenges, but nothing could have prepared us for the events that unfolded ahead of the G20 summit. It was a seemingly ordinary day when chaos erupted. Troops, comprising the army, Special Forces, and black cat commandos, descended upon our peaceful abode around 6:00 p.m. Their presence was overwhelming, as armored vehicles blocked off the bypass and effectively isolated our entire neighborhood. In the midst of it all, our helper sought solace in her room, completely unaware of the impending intrusion. The troops forcefully smashed down the gate of our kitchen garden, hopping over walls, and brazenly entering our home through that very same entrance. At the time, my mother was engaged in the evening Asr prayer. The sound of the doorbell interrupted her devotions, but she was unable to immediately attend to it. With each passing minute, the clamor outside intensified. By the time she reached the gate, roughly 20 to 25 heavily armed men had already breached our house's defenses. Scaling walls and jumping inside, they instilled fear with their imposing presence. The troops began shouting at my mother as she cautiously opened the lobby door, demanding to know who else was present in the house. Despite her assurances that she was alone, they persisted, barking their questions and demanding more information. Eventually, they barged inside, their boots resounding against the floors, meticulously scouring every nook and cranny, leaving a trail of disorder in their wake. My mother accompanied a few soldiers who ascended to the top level of our house, while the rest scoured the ground floor and other rooms. It was heart-wrenching to witness the destruction they wrought upon our once-serene dining room. Furnishings were ruthlessly dismantled, and possessions were callously scattered, rendering the room unrecognizable. The aftermath of their search left our rooms in utter disarray. Every wardrobe lay open, and belongings were carelessly strewn about. The sight of the chaos and devastation was deeply unsettling. My sense of disgust grew as I surveyed the wreckage that now plagued our home. Before departing, the troops made their intentions clear. They intimidated my mother with threats of a return visit, leaving her shaken and unsettled. Fortunately, we had installed CCTV cameras throughout our residence, capturing every moment of this harrowing ordeal. Determined to document the full extent of their intrusion, I meticulously photographed the rooms and the mess they left behind. The attached CCTV footage and images serve as a testament to the violation we endured on that fateful day. They bear witness to the destruction inflicted upon our home, forever etching this traumatic experience into our collective memory. Through sharing our story, I hope to shed light on the immense challenges faced by families like ours, who bear the burden of political persecution. It is my fervent desire that justice prevails, that those responsible for the raid are held accountable, and that no other family must endure the same anguish that has befallen ours. For 36 long years, my father has been unjustly held in arbitrary detention imposed by the Indian government, without ever facing conviction in a single case. Every passing day, my heart aches as I wait for the day when I can embrace my aging and gravely ill father once more. The raid on our home, with its brutal intrusion and wanton destruction, only adds to the weight of my longing. It is a painful reminder of the injustice that has plagued our lives for far too long. As I pick up the shattered remnants of our belongings, I can't help but feel the weight of uncertainty pressing upon me. How much longer must I endure this separation from my beloved father? #Kashmir #Prisoners_of_Conscience #G20_in_Kashmir Rotten Apples, the Systematic Destruction of Kashmir's Economy and United Nations Millennium Goals5/27/2023  Tazeen Hasan sheds light on the deliberate destruction of the apple crop, a devastating blow to the economic backbone of Kashmiris. In doing so, she exposes it as one of the numerous genocidal tactics employed by the Indian settler colonial regime in Kashmir.
The Indian settler colonial regime in Kashmir persistently employs genocidal tactics against the Kashmiri population. One such strategy involves purposefully targeting apple farmers and individuals affiliated with the apple business, effectively dismantling their economic backbone. Additionally, this brutal settler colonial action has grave ramifications for the environment. According to reports in the Indian media and Kashmiri sources affiliated with Justice For All Canada, the Indian army obstructed the Jammu-Srinagar road during the apple harvesting season in the autumn of 2022, causing the apples to decay in the stranded trucks. Indian channel NDTV confirmed that while other vehicles were allowed to pass, trucks carrying apples were specifically halted. Hence, this was a deliberate and systematic policy rather than an unintentional natural disaster or calamity. With 3.5 million Kashmiris relying on apple farming and business, this ruthless settler colonial policy inflicted significant damage on a population already enduring lockdowns and the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019. This action was so brutal that Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and a former coalition partner of the BJP, felt compelled to issue a statement alleging that the halting of trucks on the highway was a deliberate attempt to subject the people of Kashmir to suffering. Since 2019, Kashmiri farmers have been grappling with economic hardships, struggling to provide for their families. The apple harvesting season in 2022, however, held the promise of a bountiful income due to an exceptionally abundant apple crop. Nonetheless, the deliberate disruption of transportation shattered their hopes and plunged them deeper into poverty and hunger. With 3.5 million Kashmiris depending on the apple harvest for their livelihoods, the intentional disruption during the peak season poses a grave threat to their economic stability and well-being. Moreover, this action led to the fruits deteriorating and emitting methane gas. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributes to global warming and climate change. The decomposition of organic matter, such as rotting apples, produces methane, which, when released into the atmosphere, exacerbates environmental concerns. The unchecked emission of methane from the decaying apples during the blockade poses risks to local air quality. The long-term consequences of this blockade are even more hazardous. According to experts, methane is approximately 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide, making it a significant contributor to climate change. By allowing the apples to rot and emit methane gas, the blockade not only harms the immediate environment but also intensifies the long-term challenges posed by global warming. This underscores the urgency of addressing the repercussions of these settler colonial policies, both in terms of the economy and the environment, to prevent further harm to the well-being of the people of Kashmir and the planet as a whole. The deliberate release of methane gas, both from natural sources and human activities such as agricultural practices, waste management, and fossil fuel extraction, exacerbates the warming effect on the atmosphere. As global temperatures rise, glaciers continue to shrink, setting off a dangerous feedback loop. The melting of glaciers exposes darker surfaces underneath, such as rock and soil, which then absorb more sunlight and further contribute to global warming. Furthermore, the thriving apple crop in Kashmir necessitates significant amounts of water for irrigation, making efficient water resource management crucial. However, the blockade resulted in the wastage of precious water resources that were utilized to nurture the apple orchards. As the apples remained trapped in the halted trucks, the water used for their growth and maintenance went to waste. This not only deprives the local population of a vital resource but also emphasizes the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure the long-term viability of agricultural activities in the region. In summary, the blockade has dire consequences for the local economy and the environment. The deliberate disruption of the Kashmiri local economy raises concerns about a systematic plan aimed at impoverishing and starving the Kashmiri population. It is crucial for global institutions like the United Nations and its relevant agencies to address these issues, protect the livelihoods of millions, and promote sustainable practices that ensure the well-being of both the environment and the people of Kashmir. Ensuring environmental sustainability and eradicating poverty and hunger are two of the eight Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. The UN and relevant agencies need to take urgent and decisive action against such settler colonial policies of the Indian occupation regime in Indian-administered Kashmir. May 17, 2023
Tazeen Hasan sheds light on USCIRF's double standards and hypocritical attitude towards religious freedom violations in Kashmir, urging for a more consistent approach in addressing such issues. In a recent newsletter that I received from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on April 19, 2023, the institution unreservedly condemned the tragic attack on a funeral in Nigeria, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives. This was due to ethno-religious divisions. USCIRF Commissioner Frederick A. Davie expressed deep concern, emphasizing that every Nigerian should have the freedom to practice their faith and mourn their loved ones without fear. As an independent, bipartisan US federal government entity, USCIRF monitors and advocates for religious freedom globally. Its purpose is to make policy recommendations to the US government and raise awareness about religious freedom violations. USCIRF has various means at its disposal to assist persecuted religious minorities worldwide, including diplomatic engagement, human rights promotion, sanctions, international advocacy, refugee and asylum policies, and public diplomacy efforts. In this article, I do not intend to delve into USCIRF's operational methods, but I cannot refrain from acknowledging the institution's commendable work in promoting religious freedom worldwide. However, it is important to note that USCIRF occasionally overlooks clear cases of religious minority persecution by categorizing them as human rights issues rather than instances of religious persecution. One such case that warrants discussion is the ongoing persecution of Kashmiri Muslims, who face collective punishment solely due to their ethno-religious background. A couple of months back, before attending a session with Rashad Hussain, United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, I engaged in a conversation with a senior human rights advocate from Washington, DC, who has been advocating against the persecution of Kashmiris. During our discussion, she told me that USCIRF had refused to accept Kashmiri prisoner cases, stating that they were human rights violations rather than religious persecution, and directed us to pursue alternative channels for redress. It is perplexing to observe that while USCIRF strongly condemns the killings of Nigerians during a funeral, it seemingly turns a blind eye to the killings of Kashmiri protesters, who have endured numerous attacks by the Indian army, often employing force against peaceful unarmed demonstrators mourning their deceased. In addition to opening fire on peaceful unarmed protestors who were mourning their deceased during funeral processions, there are numerous instances where Indian authorities disregarded the sentiments of Kashmiri Muslims regarding funerals. This is exemplified by the ignoring Indian government's attitude at Syed Ali Geelani's death in September 2021. USCIRF failed to condemn the Indian army's confiscation of Geelani's body and denial of his family's right to bury him, which not only highlights the brutality of the Indian state towards a religious minority but also exposes USCIRF's apathy and indifference towards the plight of Kashmiris. USCIRF also turns a blind eye to cases where the Indian army refuses to return the bodies of Kashmiri freedom fighters who die in the pursuit of their right to self-determination, burying them in remote locations to prevent loved ones from visiting their graves. USCIRF's failure to address the Indian government's treatment of Syed Ali Geelani's body and the denial of proper burials for Kashmiri freedom fighters exposes a biased stance towards the Kashmiri people. By categorizing these incidents as mere human rights violations, USCIRF overlooks the underlying religious persecution faced by Kashmiris, showcasing a troubling disregard for their religious freedom and rights. Such bias undermines the credibility of the institution and highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive and consistent approach to effectively address religious freedom violations on a global scale. During the meeting with Rashad Hussain, the US State Department's Ambassador-at-large of Religious Freedom at the Bahai Centre, UN Plaza, which included representatives of various minority groups, concerns were raised by members of the Sikh community regarding the Indian government's crackdown on Sikh separatist leaders in the Indian State of Punjab, and the persecution of the Sikh minority in India. Representatives advocating for Uyghurs, Rohingya, and Palestinians were also present. In the course of the conversation, David (whose last name eludes me), a representative advocating for Palestinian rights, made a pertinent point. He emphasized that genocides and apartheid invariably have deep roots in religious nationalism, suggesting that USCIRF should approach persecution issues from a religious perspective. During my turn, in addition to highlighting the genocide and persecution endured by Kashmiris, I appreciated David's point as it resonated with my argument that the Kashmiri issue should be examined within the context of Hindutva religious nationalism. Kashmiris are suffering simply because they are Muslims; their pursuit of self-determination is thwarted because of their religious identity. The Hindutva-led BJP government disenfranchises them on religious grounds, as evidenced by the revocation of Kashmir's special status, which would not have occurred if the population were predominantly Hindu. The case of USCIRF's selective condemnation and disregard for the persecution of Kashmiri Muslims underscores a troubling double standard in its approach to religious freedom violations. While the condemnation of the funeral attack in Nigeria is justified and commendable, the reluctance to address the plight of Kashmiris exposes a hypocritical stance. Religious freedom should be championed without exceptions or biases, and USCIRF has a critical role to play in advocating for the rights of all persecuted religious minorities. By embracing a comprehensive understanding of religious persecution and taking a closer look at the religious dimensions of conflicts, USCIRF can contribute to a more just and inclusive global landscape. It is imperative that USCIRF expands its scope and actively addresses the plight of Kashmiri Muslims and other marginalized communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of religious freedom and human rights. Let us strive for a world where religious freedom is respected and protected, and where all individuals can practice their faith and mourn their loved ones without fear of persecution or discrimination. Only by confronting the double standards and biases that persist can we truly achieve a society grounded in the principles of equality, justice, and religious freedom for all. Introduction:
The upcoming G20 meeting for the tourism working group presents a unique opportunity for nations to collaborate and discuss the development of sustainable tourism. While the environment is a major agenda item for the G20 in 2023, it is ironic that unrestricted religious tourism in Kashmir is causing significant damage to the local environment, as highlighted by experts. This essay will shed light on the concerning issue of environmental genocide in Kashmir, particularly focusing on the destructive impact of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage on the Kolahai glacier and the implications for the livelihoods of the Kashmiri population. The Warning Ignored: As early as 1996, Indian environmentalists had cautioned the government about the need to restrict the number of tourists participating in the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. They warned that the increasing influx of pilgrims would have a detrimental effect on the Kolahai glacier, which serves as the primary water source for several rivers in the region. Unfortunately, despite these warnings from environmental and climate change experts, the Indian government did not take adequate measures to limit the number of pilgrims. In fact, Hindutva groups actively campaigned to increase the pilgrimage, leading to an exponential rise in participants. Consequently, the Kolahai glacier has lost 23 percent of its area over the past three decades. The Intentional Destruction: The destruction of the Kolahai glacier, a vital lifeline for the Kashmiri people, cannot be seen as a mere coincidence. The majority of Kashmiris rely on the Jehlum river for their agricultural needs, which provides livelihoods for approximately 70 percent of the population. The intentional neglect and disregard for the environmental impact of unrestricted religious tourism is tantamount to an environmental genocide against the people of Kashmir. By allowing the exploitation of this fragile ecosystem, the authorities are endangering the survival of the Kashmiri population, as their agricultural practices heavily depend on the availability of glacial water. The Role of G20 Tourism Working Group: The G20 Tourism Working Group holds a significant responsibility to address the issue of environmental genocide in Kashmir. While promoting sustainable tourism is a key objective, it is essential to ensure that tourism activities are not hazardous to the environment and the local communities. The destruction of glaciers and the resultant environmental damage in Kashmir must be a crucial topic of discussion during the G20 meeting. It is imperative to explore strategies and policies that prioritize the protection of the environment, the preservation of natural resources, and the sustainable development of tourism in the region. Conclusion: The environmental genocide unfolding in Kashmir due to unrestricted religious tourism demands immediate attention from the G20 Tourism Working Group. The destructive impact of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage on the Kolahai glacier, the lifeline of the Kashmiri people, cannot be ignored. It is the responsibility of the G20 member nations to discuss and advocate for sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the preservation of the environment and the well-being of local communities. By addressing the environmental genocide in Kashmir, the G20 can play a pivotal role in promoting responsible tourism and ensuring a sustainable future for all. Tazeen Hassan, Campaign Manager. |
