Indian Troops Continue Brutal Cordon-and-Search Operations in Kathua

Jammu, April 1 – The Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains tense as Indian forces persist with their violent cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) in Kathua district, now stretching into the tenth consecutive day.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the aggressive military operation continues in the Panjtirthi area of the Ramkote belt, with Indian troops further expanding their searches into the Ghati Juthana forest in Kathua. The extensive security measures, including sealing off vast areas and deploying reinforcements, have fueled concerns among the local population, who fear increased militarization and unwarranted repression.

Officials have yet to disclose specific outcomes of the ongoing operation, stating that further details are awaited. However, the situation remains dire for local residents, who continue to suffer under the heavy-handed tactics of the occupying forces.

Reports indicate that on Friday, two Kashmiri youth were brutally martyred in what is widely believed to be a staged encounter. The Indian forces labeled them as militants, a tactic frequently employed to justify extrajudicial killings in the region. Human rights organizations have consistently condemned such encounters, citing a pattern of unlawful executions disguised as counterinsurgency operations.

Further intensifying the crackdown, Indian troops have also detained six individuals from a single family during these search operations. The arbitrary arrests have sparked outrage among human rights defenders, who argue that such detentions are part of a broader strategy to instill fear among the Kashmiri people and suppress voices of resistance.

The continuing military aggression in Kathua exemplifies India’s longstanding oppressive policies in IIOJK. Observers note that these actions not only violate international human rights norms but also contribute to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.

Amid rising tensions, Kashmiri political and civil society groups have called upon the international community to take urgent notice of the situation. They emphasize the need for global intervention to halt the systematic violations of human rights and ensure justice for the people of Kashmir.

As the crackdown persists, fear and uncertainty loom over the people of Kathua, who remain caught in the crossfire of India’s relentless military campaigns in the occupied territory. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether international voices will rise in solidarity with the besieged people of IIOJK or if the status quo of repression will continue unchecked.