Crackdown Intensifies in IIOJK as Indian Forces Ramp Up Arrests and Raids

Since early May, life in IIOJK has been upended by a wave of crackdowns, arrests, and raids that have triggered fresh fears and heightened tensions in the region.

Indian forces have dramatically escalated their operations across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since May 10, severely impacting daily life for the region’s residents. Arbitrary arrests, continuous surveillance, and aggressive raids have created a climate of fear, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

In a recent case, Indian police arrested Mohammad Qasim from Gundha area in Rajouri district under the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA)—a law widely criticized for allowing detention without trial. Authorities claim that Qasim was involved in activities deemed pro-freedom and anti-India, continuing the pattern of targeting individuals accused of political dissent.

Two other individuals, Mehboob Akhter from Samba and Vishal Sharma from Udhampur, were also detained under the same act in separate incidents. The PSA has become a frequently used tool to suppress political voices and civil activists without the need for legal proceedings, further undermining due process in the region.

The intensified crackdown has not only led to mass detentions but has also severely disrupted everyday life. Businesses are facing frequent closures, educational institutions struggle to function normally, and people are finding it difficult to move freely within and between districts. The increasing militarization has heightened the atmosphere of control and repression across the valley.

Since April 22, Indian forces have reportedly detained over 3,000 Kashmiris as part of these ongoing operations. Such large-scale arrests point to a broader campaign to stifle dissent and reinforce control over a region already under heavy military presence.

Cordon and search operations have also picked up pace, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch districts, with forces raiding homes and interrogating residents. These actions are causing widespread anxiety, as families live in constant fear of sudden nighttime raids or arbitrary detentions.

Observers and rights organizations have long raised concerns over India’s use of excessive force, laws like the PSA, and the broader strategy of militarized governance in IIOJK. The current wave of repression appears to be an extension of this policy, with little regard for civil liberties or judicial oversight.

As daily life becomes increasingly restricted, the people of IIOJK continue to call for attention to their plight. The growing number of detainees, combined with the suppression of basic rights, underscores the urgent need for international scrutiny and human rights advocacy in the region.