99 Properties Seized in IIOJK in 2025 as BJP Intensifies Crackdown on Pro-Freedom Kashmiris

A sweeping property seizure campaign across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is drawing global concern as authorities continue targeting those demanding the right to self-determination.

In the first half of 2025, Indian authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have seized 99 properties as part of a broader campaign to suppress pro-freedom voice in the region. The drive, led by the BJP-imposed administration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has focused on silencing Kashmiris advocating for self-determination, a right recognized under international law.

From January to June, Indian police and central agencies have attached properties that include residential homes, commercial shops, and agricultural land. These assets, collectively worth millions of rupees, reportedly belong to individuals associated with various pro-freedom movements.

The seizures have been carried out under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)—a law widely criticized for enabling state repression and criminalizing dissent. International human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns over its misuse, particularly in conflict zones like Kashmir.

This isn’t the first time the Indian government has used property confiscation as a tool of control in IIOJK. The headquarters of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Srinagar was seized earlier, and hundreds of other properties connected to Hurriyat leaders, activists, and sympathizers have been either confiscated or destroyed in recent years.

Two central agencies—India’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU)—have spearheaded the ongoing operations. According to reports, these agencies are executing the campaign with clear political backing, aiming to dismantle the infrastructure of the Kashmiri resistance movement.

In addition to confiscations, demolitions of residential houses, commercial complexes, and public properties have also increased in frequency. These actions have left many families displaced, fueling further resentment among local populations.

IOJK observers and analysts say the move is a form of collective punishment designed to economically and socially devastate families and communities aligned with the Kashmir freedom movement. By targeting personal and communal assets, the authorities aim to weaken the morale of those resisting the occupation.

Critics argue that these aggressive tactics reveal the Indian state’s fear of the unbreakable spirit of the Kashmiri people. Despite years of military presence, political suppression, and legal persecution, the call for a UN-mandated plebiscite remains at the heart of Kashmir’s political landscape.