A Kashmiri who I follow on Twitter tweeted, ‘I wish Kashmiri people were born black. At least today they would have hope that their lives matter.’ It’s a cynical comment unworthy of any Kashmiri since solidarity with the oppressed has been a hallmark of their own struggle. But it wasn’t meant to join the ‘all lives matter’ campaign negating Black political power so much as it was a statement of utter frustration that Kashmiris are sustaining genocide & there is no consistent & outspoken international campaign to defend them.
Their trauma & suffering under occupation are acute as they endure the most heinous crimes, including against their children. We cannot chastise Kashmiris for their frustration but must commit to building an international campaign to demand the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of all Indian forces from Kashmir. The onus is on us.