(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)
In IIOJK, human rights concerns have also intensified, especially since the BJP, under Modi, came to power in 2014. The region, with its long history of conflict and tension, has seen an escalation of violence and repression, alarming human rights organizations and the international community. The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir has roots in the 1947 partition of India. Following the princely state’s forced accession to India, various political, social, and religious tensions emerged, resulting in several wars and ongoing insurgency.
The situation worsened after the Indian government’s unilateral abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and led to widespread unrest. Reports of violence in IIOJK have surged under the Modi government, with security forces accused of using excessive force to suppress protests arising from perceived injustices and human rights violations. Encounters with freedom fighters have often resulted in civilian casualties, and the use of pellet guns, a contentious crowd control measure, has caused severe injuries, especially among young people. Numerous organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented various human rights violations in IIOJK.
Since 2014, there has been a significant increase in arbitrary detentions, with political leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens being held without formal charges. The harsh Public Safety Act (PSA) has been frequently employed to imprison individuals for extended periods without trial. Reports of torture and mistreatment in detention facilities have surfaced, with former detainees sharing their harrowing experiences. Allegations include physical violence, psychological torture, and denial of medical care, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression. The government has enacted strict measures to control the flow of information, with internet shutdowns becoming common, particularly during times of unrest.
Journalists and media outlets face harassment and censorship, making it difficult to accurately report on the situation. Human rights defenders and activists in IIOJK have experienced increased scrutiny and harassment, often facing threats, intimidation, and legal action for speaking out against government policies and human rights abuses. The international community has voiced concerns about the situation in IIOJK, with various countries and human rights organizations calling for investigations into these abuses. However, India’s diplomatic influence and strategic importance have often muted strong responses from global powers.
Traditionally, the Governor of IIOJK acted as a representative of the President of India and held specific powers, including oversight of the state government. In recent years, particularly following constitutional changes by the central government, these powers have expanded significantly. The Governor now has enhanced legislative authority, allowing for greater control over local laws and policies. This shift enables the Governor to influence critical areas such as land use, public safety, and law enforcement, often sidelining locally elected governments. Critics argue that this undermines the democratic process and erodes local autonomy.
The Governor’s increased authority extends to key appointments within the state administration, including the selection of bureaucrats and heads of public institutions, which can lead to local governance being heavily influenced by the central government. This centralization of power can diminish the effectiveness of local leaders and institutions. In matters of security and law enforcement, the Governor now wields significant influence, raising concerns about the militarization of governance in IIOJK, as security forces often operate under the Governor’s directives. The potential for heavy-handed tactics in managing civil unrest has heightened fears among residents.
The expanded powers of the Governor facilitate the rapid implementation of central government policies in IIOJK, often without adequate local consultation. This has resulted in tensions between local political leaders and the central government, as many policies may not align with the unique needs and aspirations of the IIOJK populace.
The increase in the Governor’s powers has drawn widespread criticism from local political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public. Residents of IIOJK believe that these changes undermine the democratic fabric of the region, concentrating decision-making authority in the hands of unelected officials. The lack of local representation in governance exacerbates feelings of alienation among the people of IIOJK, as policies imposed from New Delhi without local input have led to widespread discontent. There are concerns that the expanded powers could be misused to suppress dissent, stifle opposition, and curtail freedoms, further exacerbating the already tense political climate in the region.
The people of IIOJK have long faced the question of their political future, navigating competing narratives of nationalism and identity. Amid ongoing political turmoil, a significant portion of the population is increasingly expressing a desire for self-determination and potential accession to Pakistan. The unresolved status of Kashmir has intensified tensions between India and Pakistan, with the people of IIOJK often at the center of this geopolitical struggle, their voices and aspirations frequently overlooked. Residents of IIOJK seek the right to self-determination. Kashmiris view accession to Pakistan as a viable solution to their aspirations, often citing shared religious and cultural ties, as well as a perceived historical connection.
They believe that joining Pakistan would offer a framework for self-determination, allowing them to preserve their identity and manage their affairs more autonomously. The policies of the BJP-led government have intensified feelings of alienation among the people of IIOJK. Reports of human rights violations, heavy-handed security measures, and economic neglect have fueled discontent. As trust in Indian governance erodes, calls for self-determination and accession to Pakistan are gaining momentum.
The youth of IIOJK, who have grown up amid conflict and unrest, are particularly vocal in their demands for change. They are increasingly participating in political discourse, advocating for their rights, and expressing a desire for self-determination. This demographic views their struggle for the future as intrinsically linked to the broader aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The people of IIOJK are dissatisfied with India, Modi, the BJP, and its anti-Kashmiri policies. Modi’s narrative of governance and division has resulted in significant backlash, culminating in the BJP’s historic defeat in the recent elections in IIOJK, which were held after a decade. According to Indian media, the Indian National Congress has emerged with a clear lead in the region. The recent electoral outcomes have highlighted the importance of political narratives in shaping voter sentiment and behavior. When election results diverge from the established narrative, it is crucial for political leaders and parties to recognize this disconnect. Ignoring it can hinder progress and alienate constituents.
The narrative put forth by Modi and his party has failed, and the people of India, particularly those in IIOJK, are fully aware of the BJP’s ulterior motives. The residents of IIOJK have distanced themselves from this electoral spectacle and are calling for their right to self-determination. The international community should urge India to comply with UN resolutions regarding the right to self-determination for Kashmiris, rather than engaging in such unsuccessful political maneuvers. The ultimate aspiration of the Kashmiri people is to join Pakistan, and this reality should be acknowledged by both India and the global community.
