Vigil for Kashmir

5 August marked the 5^th anniversary of the downgrading of Kashmir from a state to two directly ruled union territories, which has been accompanied by significant repression of free speech and massive changes affecting the lives of residents. One example is a proposed railway development which will take away the land of farmers who grow apples, one of Kashmir’s major exports and source of income. The farmers were not consulted and have no choice about the compulsory allocation of their land to the project.

Members and friends of the Minehead Group gathered outside St Peter's Chapel on Minehead Quay to remember the people of Kashmir. We held banners and displayed information about the situation in Kashmir. Photos were taken and posted on social media to draw attention to these terrible abuses of human rights being perpetrated by the Indian Government.