Analyzing India's Coercive Strategies Against Families of Pakistani Immigrants in Jammu and Kashmir

The situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has significantly deteriorated in recent years, marked by severe repression and property seizures. The Indian government’s actions, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, have intensified, employing draconian laws and state terrorism that forced many Kashmiris to migrate to Azad Kashmir. The repression continues unabated, with over 500 properties confiscated by December 2023, highlighting a brutal crackdown on the innocent people of IIOJK.
Many Kashmiri families and individuals were compelled to flee to Azad Kashmir due to relentless Indian state terrorism. Those who migrated now find their properties being confiscated by the Indian state under Modi’s administration. The police and Home Department of IIOJK maintain records of these families, creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance and fear. This systematic confiscation of property is ostensibly conducted under the guise of maintaining law and order, but in reality, it is part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and erase the Muslim identity of the Kashmir valley. One notable example involves Mohammad Arif and Mohammad Bashir from the Uri area, whose land was seized by the BJP regime. These seizures are often based on fabricated charges, with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) being one of the primary legal instruments used to justify these actions. The UAPA grants sweeping powers to the authorities, allowing them to detain individuals and confiscate properties without due process, effectively silencing any opposition. The Indian occupation government has intensified its repressive tactics, employing laws like the UAPA to crack down on dissent. By December 2023, over 500 properties had been seized on fabricated charges. The UAPA allows the state to label individuals as terrorists, detain them without trial, and seize their assets, creating an environment of fear and repression.
The BJP regime’s strategy clearly is to punish those involved in the peaceful freedom movement by confiscating their properties and disrupting their lives. This approach is not limited to ordinary citizens but extends to prominent Kashmiri leaders as well. The properties of leaders such as Ali Shah Geelani, Shabbir Shah, and Asiya Andrabi have been seized, along with the Hurriyat’s office. This targeted harassment aims to dismantle the leadership of the freedom movement and suppress any form of organized resistance. The repressive measures extend beyond property seizures. Families and relatives of those who have migrated to Azad Kashmir face severe restrictions and discrimination. They are banned or restricted from obtaining government jobs, and their security clearances are withheld during verification processes. This systemic discrimination further marginalizes the Kashmiri population, depriving them of economic opportunities and exacerbating their already dire circumstances. The BJP regime’s actions have had a profound impact on the socio-economic fabric of IIOJK. The confiscation of ancestral properties and the denial of employment opportunities have pushed many families into poverty. The seizure of properties is not just a legal or administrative action, it is a deliberate attempt to strip Kashmiris of their livelihoods and their cultural heritage.
Despite widespread condemnation from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Amnesty International, and other human rights organizations, India has shown a complete disregard for its international obligations and norms. These organizations have repeatedly highlighted the grave human rights violations in IIOJK, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. However, the Indian government continues its repressive policies with impunity, ignoring international calls for justice and accountability. The international community must assess the critical situation in IIOJK, which could have significant implications for regional and global peace and stability. The continued repression and human rights violations in Kashmir not only undermine the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people but also threaten to destabilize the entire South Asian region.
Kashmiri leaders have consistently pointed out that the BJP is seizing all politically significant places in the Kashmir valley to erase its Muslim identity. The systematic confiscation of properties and the denial of economic opportunities are part of a broader strategy to alter the demographic and cultural landscape of Kashmir. By targeting Muslim-owned properties and restricting the socio-economic mobility of the Kashmiri population, the BJP aims to impose a new identity on the region that aligns with its Hindutva ideology. The erasure of Kashmir’s Muslim identity is not just a matter of cultural suppression; it is a violation of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people. The international community must recognize this deliberate attempt to alter the demographic and cultural composition of Kashmir and take concrete steps to protect the rights and heritage of the Kashmiri people.
The ongoing repression and property seizures in IIOJK demand a strong and unified response from the international community. Pakistan’s strategy regarding Occupied Kashmir should be based on four principles during this economically and politically difficult time: internal consolidation, strategic patience, cultivating global partnerships, and developing an integrated Kashmir strategy. Pakistani civil and military leadership needs to outline a clear roadmap for political stabilization and economic revival. This involves addressing critical issues such as the balance of payment crisis, national debt, trade deficit, and circular debt in the energy sector. Economic revival is possible through improved export capacity, successful completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Strategic patience is required at the state institutions and public levels regarding Occupied Kashmir. The mentality of quick fixes needs to be discouraged, and during the period of internal consolidation, political leadership must keep the public united and in high spirits. Strengthening relationships with smaller South Asian states is important, Gulf countries, and major world powers is crucial to stay strategically relevant. This will help Pakistan garner support for the Kashmir issue and counter India’s strategy of isolating Pakistan. A long-term integrated Kashmir strategy (IKS) is required, utilizing academia, diplomatic channels, and media to defend Pakistan’s stance internationally. This comprehensive strategy should involve all state institutions, both civil and military to respond to Indian diplomatic and military actions in Occupied Kashmir.
In conclusion, Pakistan must transition from threat-based to capacity-based policies, enhancing its economic influence, strategic relevance, diplomatic acceptability, and maintaining a unified stance to strengthen its position on Kashmir. The international community must recognize the gravity of the situation in IIOJK and take concrete steps to protect the rights and heritage of the Kashmiri people. Only through a unified and strategic approach can the Kashmiri people hope to achieve justice and self-determination in the face of relentless oppression.