
Collective Punishment in IIOJK: Modi’s Response to the Pahalgam Incident
May 6, 2025In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam attack, Indian authorities have intensified measures that critics argue amount to collective punishment, disproportionately affecting innocent civilians in IIOJK.
Since the tragic attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the death of tourists, Indian authorities have escalated their operations across the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These measures, including house demolitions and mass detentions, have been described by residents and human rights organizations as acts of collective punishment targeting the local population.
One of the most striking aspects of the crackdown has been the demolition of homes belonging to individuals associated with the attack. In Murran, a village in the Pulwama district, residents were awakened at night by explosions that reduced their homes to rubble. Ali Muhammad Thoker, an 80-year-old villager, recounted the horror: “We had no idea what was going to happen.” The demolitions have left many families homeless and in despair.
In addition to the demolitions, Indian security forces have detained over 2,500 individuals under anti-terrorism laws. Many detainees report being subjected to beatings and interrogations without cause. These actions have been criticized for their indiscriminate nature, with many innocent civilians caught in the sweep.
The crackdown has also extended to the digital realm, with authorities warning social media users and press organizations against sharing “source-based” information. Individuals who have protested the demolitions or called for a UN-supervised plebiscite have faced legal repercussions, including charges under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66F of the Information Technology Act.
The international community has expressed concern over the actions taken by Indian authorities. Human rights organizations have condemned the demolitions as violations of international law, and calls have been made for India to halt these punitive measures and engage in dialogue with the Kashmiri people.
The ongoing crackdown in IIOJK, characterized by house demolitions, mass detentions, and suppression of free expression, has drawn widespread criticism. While the Indian government asserts that these measures are necessary for national security, many argue that they disproportionately affect innocent civilians and exacerbate tensions in the region. The situation remains dire, with calls for a reassessment of policies and a move towards a more inclusive and peaceful approach to resolving the Kashmir conflict.