Another Property Seized in IIOJK Under Draconian Laws: A Strategy to Weaken Kashmiris

In an ongoing series of aggressive actions against Kashmiris in IIOJK, the New Delhi-appointed administration has seized yet another property, escalating tensions in the region.

The New Delhi-appointed administration, led by Lieutenant Governor, has recently confiscated the property of a Kashmiri civilian in Baramulla district, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The property in question includes a residential house, a single-story poultry farm, and two kanals of land. This seizure was made under the controversial Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

This move is part of a broader pattern that has emerged since the abrogation of IIOJK’s special status in August 2019. The BJP-led Indian government has increased efforts to disempower the local Kashmiri population by taking control of their properties and lands. The government’s actions appear to be focused on economically weakening the region’s population, leaving them increasingly vulnerable and without resources.

The controversial UAPA law, under which the property was seized, has often been criticized for its draconian nature. It allows authorities to confiscate property without proper due process or justification. In the case of IIOJK, this act has been used to target civilians, particularly those seen as opposing New Delhi’s rule in the region. The law is viewed by many as a tool for the government to push its political and social agendas by undermining the rights of the local population.

The government’s approach of confiscating properties in IIOJK is part of a larger strategy that aims to alter the region’s demographic balance. Reports suggest that properties seized from Kashmiris are often transferred to non-Kashmiri Hindus, fueling concerns about demographic changes in the region. Critics argue that this strategy is a deliberate attempt to weaken the identity and voice of the Kashmiri people. It is seen as a direct consequence of New Delhi’s Hindutva agenda, which seeks to reshape the region in line with the political ideology of the ruling party.

The ongoing seizure of land and properties is a critical issue for the people of IIOJK, who are already living under immense political and social strain. Since the special status was revoked in 2019, the region has witnessed a significant increase in military presence, restrictions on civil liberties, and numerous incidents of property confiscation. This has left the local population in a state of uncertainty and fear, unsure of their future in their own land.

The property seizures in IIOJK, including the recent action in Baramulla, are part of a draconian trend aimed at snatching Kashmiris’ land, property, and autonomy. By employing laws like the UAPA, the Indian government seeks to exert greater control over the region, changing its demographic fabric and marginalizing its native people. As these actions continue, the future of IIOJK’s indigenous population remains uncertain.