Indian Forces Escalate Repression with Search Operation in Kishtwar, IIOJK

In a disturbing continuation of India’s military repression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Indian forces have launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Kishtwar district of the Jammu region. This operation highlights the escalating militarization of the region, where every move of the Kashmiri population is heavily scrutinized and controlled. Once again, the military presence intensifies, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation faced by the people of IIOJK.

Disrupting Daily Life and Enforcing Control

Indian forces sealed off the Dachhan area, restricting civilian movement and reinforcing their military dominance. These operations are not merely focused on targeting insurgents; they serve as tools to enforce the Indian state’s control over the occupied territory, thereby disrupting the daily lives of ordinary Kashmiris. Sealing off routes and placing entire areas under lockdown is a deliberate strategy aimed at instilling fear and preventing any form of opposition or resistance. The lives of civilians in IIOJK continue to be shaped by a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and restriction.

While the Indian authorities justify these operations as responses to suspicious activities, the reality is far more troubling. The collective punishment faced by local civilians continues to undermine any prospect of peace and stability in the region.

A Brutal and Unjustified Use of Force

As reported, there was firing during the operation, further illustrating the violent nature of these encounters. Such incidents serve as a reminder that the real target of these operations is not merely insurgency but the very fabric of Kashmiri society. The Indian government’s frequent use of military force underscores its broader strategy to subjugate the people of IIOJK through fear and suppression. Violence, rather than dialogue, has become the standard approach to dealing with the region’s political demands.

The constant military presence in the region leaves Kashmiris with little to no space for peaceful expression or political opposition. In every such operation, the aim is clear: silence any voice of dissent and maintain an iron grip on the occupied territory. These tactics of repression are not just violations of human rights; they are part of a systematic strategy to quash the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.

India’s Authoritarian Agenda in IIOJK

The recent operation in Kishtwar is just the latest manifestation of India’s increasing authoritarianism in IIOJK. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian state has moved to systematically dismantle the region’s autonomy, asserting military control as the primary means of governance. The revocation of Article 370 in 2019 was a clear signal that India intends to impose its political will on the Kashmiri people, regardless of their wishes or international law.

The use of military operations like the CASO in Kishtwar illustrates the repressive measures India employs to keep Kashmir under control. These operations are framed as counter-insurgency efforts, but in reality, they serve to maintain the status quo of occupation and political subjugation. By continuously labeling resistance as “terrorism,” India seeks to delegitimize the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people for autonomy and self-determination.

International Accountability and Kashmir’s Struggle for Freedom

The ongoing operations in IIOJK must not go unnoticed by the international community. As India continues to justify its military actions, it is essential for global institutions to recognize the human rights violations occurring in the region. The Kashmiri struggle for self-determination is not a new phenomenon, and it is time for the world to hold India accountable for its continuing militarization of the region.

The Kashmiri people have long endured a brutal cycle of repression, with every operation like the one in Kishtwar reinforcing their demand for freedom and justice. Their resolve remains unwavering, despite decades of occupation and violence. The international community must stand in solidarity with the people of IIOJK and demand that their fundamental rights be respected.

India’s actions in IIOJK not only violate human rights but also violate international norms. The people of Kashmir have been denied their right to self-determination for far too long. The latest search operation in Kishtwar is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom, one that must be acknowledged and supported by the international community.

A Call to End Repression

The situation in IIOJK cannot be allowed to continue in its current form. The international community must demand accountability from India and actively support the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination as the people of IIOJK continue their relentless fight for the freedom and justice they have been denied for far too long.