Civilian Home Demolished, Nine Arrested as India Tightens Grip in IIOJK

A new wave of crackdowns in IIOJK has raised serious human rights concerns, as Indian authorities continue to use forceful measures to silence dissent and intimidate local communities.

The New Delhi-imposed administration in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has come under heavy criticism after the demolition of a civilian home in the Jammu district. The operation was ordered directly by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The two-storey house belonged to Gulzar Ahmad, widely known in the area as Lahu Gujar. It was located in the Birju Chak (Bishnah) area and was razed by the police under the pretext of his alleged involvement in a recent clash with Indian security forces.

Authorities accused Lahu Gujar, a member of the marginalized Kashmiri Gujjar community, of participating in a confrontation with Indian police on April 9 in Samba district. However, no judicial process or formal charges were reported before the demolition was carried out.

In connection to the same incident, Indian police launched extensive search operations in the Bari Brahmana area of Samba district. During these raids, nine individuals — including three women — were arrested from the Balole Khad and Gujjar Basti neighborhoods. They were all detained on allegations of being linked to the April 9 clash.

Civil society members and human rights observers have condemned the demolition and arrests, stating that these acts reflect the increasing use of oppressive measures by Indian forces in the occupied territory. The targeting of civilians without transparent legal proceedings is seen as part of a broader strategy to instill fear and crush any form of resistance.

The demolition of Lahu Gujar’s home is particularly alarming for local communities, as it sets a precedent of punitive actions without due process. Residents fear that collective punishment is becoming the norm in IIOJK, especially for communities like the Gujjars, who have historically faced marginalization.

Furthermore, the arrests of women during the raids have sparked outrage among activists, who argue that the Indian authorities are not only criminalizing dissent but are also weaponizing law enforcement against vulnerable populations.

The recent actions by the administration, according to local leaders, demonstrate a continued disregard for legal norms and human rights in IIOJK. Observers note that such moves are aimed at maintaining a climate of fear and ensuring complete control over the occupied region.

With no clear evidence presented publicly and no legal proceedings underway, the incident is being viewed as another example of India’s hardline approach to governance in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir — one that prioritizes force over dialogue.