(COLUMBUS, OH, 10/30/19) – On Sunday, October 27, CAIR-Columbus partnered with Stand With Kashmir and other local organizations to hold a vigil in honor and remembrance of the besieged Kashmiri people.
In August, India revoked article 370 of the Indian constitution which took away the protected status of the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir. India then instituted a curfew for the disputed Kashmir Valley and cut off the internet and telephone connections of its eight million residents. Since then, credible news outlets have widely reported continuing instances of human rights abuses. For instance, the Indian military has restricted food and medicine from entering the region as well as engaged in mass arrests and violence against innocent civilians, including minors.
People from across the state attended the event. Local Ohioans who have families in Kashmir have experienced difficulty when trying to speak to their loved ones and are extremely worried about the safety of their families who are being held captive in their own homes.
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The full list of organizations that co-sponsored this event includes Jewish Voice for Peace, Faith in Public Life, Somali Islamic Centers of Ohio, Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio, and Islamic Society of Greater Columbus.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim Civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. The CAIR-Ohio Affiliate has three chapters – Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.