Mehbooba Mufti Exposes Modi’s Demographic Agenda as India Tightens Its Grip on IIOJK

India’s Demographic Engineering in IIOJK

India’s actions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019 clearly reflect a planned attempt to reshape the region through forceful legal changes, population pressure, and strict control rather than public consent or democratic discussion. The removal of Article 370 was advertised as reform, yet it has instead deepened fear, instability, and insecurity among the local population. Daily life for Kashmiris has become more uncertain as land, rights, and identity face constant pressure. The Modi government continues to deny these realities while projecting a misleading image of normalcy.

◆ Forced policy change: The sudden removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was imposed without the consent of its people and destroyed whatever trust remained between the population and the Indian state.
◆ Hidden agenda: The speed and direction of post-2019 decisions strongly suggest that demographic change, rather than governance reform, lies at the heart of New Delhi’s Kashmir policy.
◆ False development claims: Promises of economic growth and stability have failed to materialise and instead exposed the gap between official claims and harsh ground realities.

Mehbooba Mufti’s Serious Warning

Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party, has raised strong concerns that India’s post-2019 approach is creating long-term damage by encouraging outside settlement and increasing pressure on Kashmiri society. Her statements reflect the anxiety felt by ordinary people who fear losing control over their land and future. She has warned that such policies are increasing frustration instead of restoring peace. The Modi government’s dismissal of these warnings reveals a dangerous lack of accountability.

◆ Local leadership ignored: Kashmiri political leaders are treated as obstacles rather than legitimate representatives of public opinion and local concerns.
◆ Public fear rising: Ordinary citizens increasingly feel insecure about their land, livelihoods, and identity under India’s new policies.
◆ Delhi’s arrogance: The central government continues to ignore repeated warnings, choosing control and denial over dialogue and correction.

Land Grab in the Name of Security

The growing takeover of fertile land for Indian forces highlights how occupation policies are directly harming Kashmir’s economy and civilian life. Mehbooba Mufti’s objection to the proposed military complex in Pulwama exposed how security projects are pushed through without regard for local needs. Building such facilities in residential and farming areas increases tension and resentment. This pattern shows that India prioritises control over human welfare.

◆ Agricultural loss: Fertile agricultural land is being diverted for military use without consultation, threatening local food security and income.
◆ Civilian tension: The expansion of military facilities inside populated areas creates fear, stress, and daily disruption for residents.
◆ Unjust decisions: Administrative authorities repeatedly ignore local objections, reinforcing the sense of powerlessness among civilians.

Social Stress and Crime Growth

The settlement of people from outside Jammu and Kashmir has disturbed the region’s social balance, particularly in Jammu, where crime and tension have reportedly increased. Mehbooba Mufti has warned that sudden demographic shifts weaken community trust and strain public services. Instead of addressing these outcomes, Indian officials deny any link between policy and instability. This denial further damages peace and social harmony.

◆ Broken harmony: Long-standing social relationships have been disrupted by sudden population changes imposed from outside.
◆ Crime increase: Social imbalance and economic pressure have contributed to growing law-and-order concerns.
◆ State denial: Authorities refuse to acknowledge policy failures, allowing problems to deepen.

Crushing Political Space

India’s claim of democracy in occupied Kashmir appears hollow as political activity remains heavily restricted and regional parties face constant pressure. The PDP’s efforts to engage with the public show how difficult even peaceful political work has become. Leaders operate under surveillance and administrative barriers. This environment exposes the gap between India’s democratic claims and reality.

◆ Restricted politics: Routine political engagement is treated as a security issue rather than a democratic right.
◆ Fear environment: Political workers and leaders function under constant pressure, limiting free expression.
◆ Democracy illusion: India’s global image of democracy collapses under scrutiny of Kashmir’s conditions.

Land Shortage and Indigenous Rights

Jammu and Kashmir already faces land shortages due to its geography and population needs, making protection of local land essential. Mehbooba Mufti has stressed that remaining land must be safeguarded for indigenous residents. Her party’s proposed bill on property rights reflects a lawful attempt to protect vulnerable communities. New Delhi’s lack of interest deepens alienation.

◆ Limited land: Scarcity makes irresponsible land use especially damaging for local communities.
◆ Ignored bills: Legislative efforts to protect residents’ rights receive no serious attention from authorities.
◆ Local exclusion: Indigenous people are steadily pushed aside in land-related decisions.

Alienation as a State Strategy

Instead of healing divisions, India’s post-2019 policies have widened the emotional and political gap between Kashmiris and the state. Decisions are taken without consultation, increasing anger and distrust. Mehbooba Mufti’s appeal to address grievances reflects a genuine desire for stability that India refuses to acknowledge. This rigid approach fuels unrest.

◆ Public frustration: Unresolved grievances continue to build resentment across society.
◆ No engagement: Dialogue has been replaced by force and administrative control.
◆ Policy failure: Alienation has become a predictable outcome of state strategy.

A Dangerous and Unjust Future

India’s actions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir are pushing the region toward prolonged instability rather than peace. The Modi government’s obsession with control has overridden law, morality, and human dignity. Mehbooba Mufti’s warnings should be treated as serious alarms. Ignoring them risks permanent damage to Kashmir’s social fabric and further exposes India’s conduct.

◆ Long-term damage: Continued coercive policies threaten lasting instability in the region.
◆ Silenced warnings: Responsible political voices are deliberately sidelined.
◆ Global exposure: India’s actions deserve serious international scrutiny.