Do you Remember Kunan Poshpora? – The Story of a Mass Rape

Set against the backdrop of a 1991 military operation in Kashmir, this book explores the aftermath of mass sexual violence, the struggle for justice, and the resilience of survivors and their community.

Do You Remember Kunan Poshpora? – The Story of a Mass Rape recounts a harrowing event that took place on a frigid February night in 1991, when Indian soldiers invaded two villages in Kashmir in search of militants. In their quest for information, the soldiers resorted to brutal tactics, forcibly removing villagers from their homes and subjecting them to violence. The accounts from the villages reveal a tragic reality, with reports of up to thirty-one women being raped. Despite initial investigations, the Indian army ultimately dismissed the case, leaving the affected communities to grapple with the enduring stigma associated with the events.

Years later, the rape and murder of a young medical student in Delhi in 2012 sparked widespread protests across India, igniting a movement that resonated internationally. This wave of activism inspired a new generation of young women in Kashmir to revisit the Kunan-Poshpora case, seeking justice for the survivors and a reckoning with their shared history. Their efforts highlight the ongoing struggle for recognition and accountability in the face of systemic violence.

The book serves as a poignant exploration of themes such as justice, stigma, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. By amplifying the voices of those often unheard, it provides insight into the lives of ordinary Kashmiris living under the weight of decades of military rule. Through personal narratives and reflections, Do You Remember Kunan Poshpora? invites readers to engage with the complex realities faced by these communities and the quest for healing and justice.