Intensified CASOs in IIOJK: Escalation of Military Repression Under the Guise of Counterterrorism

India intensifies CASOs in IIOJK, using counterterrorism as a cover for military repression, civilian harassment, and systemic rights violations.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) have surged in frequency and intensity, turning once peaceful towns and villages into militarized zones. While authorities claim these operations are essential for counterterrorism, the ground reality reveals a pattern of collective punishment, fear-mongering, and civil liberty violations.

Under the pretext of neutralizing militants, Indian forces cordon off entire areas, restrict movement, conduct door-to-door searches, and frequently detain residents—many of them without evidence or formal charges. The operations often stretch for hours or even days, disrupting schools, businesses, and daily life.

Instead of targeting armed groups alone, these operations often victimize innocent civilians, particularly in areas known for political dissent. The widespread deployment of troops, aggressive tactics, and lack of accountability suggest that CASOs have morphed from security measures into tools of military repression and psychological warfare.

Families, including women and children, are routinely subjected to intimidation and forced out of their homes during late-night or early-morning raids. Reports of property damage, verbal abuse, and arbitrary detentions are common. Even basic civil rights—such as freedom of movement and privacy—are routinely suspended during these operations.

These tactics aim to instill fear and suppress resistance, not enhance public safety. In a region already under prolonged militarization, intensified CASOs only serve to deepen public alienation and erode trust in institutions.

International human rights observers and legal experts have raised serious concerns about these operations. Collective punishment, warrantless searches, and prolonged detentions violate international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions. Yet, the global silence on these abuses remains deafening.

The escalation of CASOs in IIOJK under the cover of counterterrorism is not about security—it’s about control, suppression, and demographic engineering. The world must look beyond India’s official narrative and demand transparency, accountability, and justice for Kashmir’s besieged population.