Distorted Narratives: India’s Propaganda War on IIOJK

India’s ruling regime is using media manipulation and brute force to distort the truth about IIOJK, but the ground reality reveals deepening oppression and denial of basic rights.

The BJP-led Hindutva regime in India, along with its compliant media, continues to push false narratives targeting both Pakistan and the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This sustained propaganda is widely viewed as an effort to legitimize its illegal occupation of the disputed region.

Political observers and human rights activists based in Srinagar have expressed strong disapproval of this narrative, describing it as a deliberate distortion of the Kashmiri people’s struggle for freedom and self-determination. Due to the fear of retaliation, many critics choose to remain anonymous.

One analyst explained that New Delhi is determined to showcase a false sense of normalcy in IIOJK. He referenced the Pahalgam tragedy, stating that the Indian government is wrongly trying to link the incident to the Kashmiri freedom movement. “The truth is quite the opposite,” he said. “Following the incident, Kashmiris have experienced intensified state violence, including mass arrests, demolition of homes, and confiscation of property. These actions are part of regular crackdowns meant to stifle dissent.”

He also emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. India itself acknowledged this status through UN resolutions, which include the promise of a plebiscite. “When Kashmiris raise this point and demand their rights, they are thrown in jail. This reflects India’s colonial mindset and its desire to crush any opposition,” the analyst remarked.

Another local activist highlighted the fact that the people of IIOJK have long demanded the right to self-determination as guaranteed by the United Nations. However, India continues to deny them this right, enforcing its will through military dominance.

The activist pointed out that the current political setup in IIOJK, especially under the National Conference, has little to no real authority. “The region is effectively ruled by the Indian Home Ministry and the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Police and paramilitary forces are used to impose anti-IIOJK policies,” he explained.

He further criticized India’s efforts to hold elections in the region, calling them nothing more than a smokescreen to deceive the international community. “These staged elections only weaken the legitimacy of the UN’s commitment to hold a plebiscite based on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he said.

Experts warn that Delhi’s multipronged propaganda campaign aims to erode the fundamental issue of IIOJK’s disputed status. They believe such tactics not only mislead global opinion but also put the lives and rights of the Kashmiri people at grave risk.

They urge Kashmiris to remain steadfast in resisting these attempts to erase their identity and demands—especially the restoration of statehood and constitutional protections under Articles 370 and 35A.