NIA’s Property Seizures of Locals in IIOJK Raise Concerns

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has intensified its operations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, attaching more properties in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from local communities and political leaders. The latest action involved the seizure of seven immovable properties belonging to Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo, a Kashmiri resident who has been in custody since his arrest on January 31, 2020.

Mantoo’s properties, including land measuring 19 Marlas and 84 square feet located in Kisarigam, Pulwama district, were officially attached by the NIA on Wednesday. This action is aimed at undermining the land rights of the Kashmiri locals and exerting greater control over IIOJK.

The attachment of properties by the NIA has been framed as part of a systematic effort to dispossess Kashmiris of their land and properties. Such measures are attempts to weaken the economic and social fabric of the local population, thereby consolidating Indian government control. The frequent use of property attachment measures has sparked allegations of misuse of power and has raised serious concerns about the protection of civil liberties in IIOJK.

The implications of these actions are far-reaching. Land in IIOJK is not just a crucial economic asset but also deeply tied to the identity and heritage of its people. The seizure of properties, especially under contentious legal and political circumstances, is an affront to the traditional and legal rights of Kashmiris. These actions deteriorate existing tensions and contribute to a sense of disenfranchisement among the local populace. The NIA’s actions have also sparked political outcry. Various leaders and human rights activists have condemned the property attachments, arguing that they represent an egregious overreach of power. They call for greater transparency and adherence to legal standards that respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of the politically sensitive nature of IIOJK.