HRVs in IIOJK: India’s False Claims of Normalcy After Article 370 Revocation
January 28, 2025The BJP-led government’s claims of normalcy in IIOJK after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 seem to unravel when confronted with harrowing statistics of human rights violations and continuing violence.
Since the Indian government’s decision to revoke Article 370 in 2019, which granted special autonomy to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), authorities have claimed to restore peace and normalcy in the region. However, the reality on the ground paints a far more disturbing picture. Despite claims of stability, the situation in IIIOJK has been marked by widespread human rights violations and brutal crackdowns, which suggest the opposite of what the government has claimed.
The scale of the violence since 2019 is staggering. Nearly 955 Kashmiris have been killed, including 18 women and 31 teenagers. A significant number of these deaths have been attributed to custodial killings and fake encounters, which account for 251 of the total fatalities. Alongside these deaths, 2,480 individuals have suffered critical injuries or torture, further intensifying the suffering in the region.
Arbitrary arrests have been another hallmark of the crackdown, with over 25,591 Kashmiris detained since the abrogation of Article 370. The repression has extended to physical destruction, with more than 1,100 properties, including homes and shops, torched in violent operations. These figures are a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for Kashmiris, who have endured both physical harm and the destruction of their livelihoods.
The Women and children have been among the worst affected. In total, 72 women have been widowed, 199 children orphaned, and 145 women subjected to gang rape or molestation. These heinous acts have become part of the everyday reality for many in Kashmir, with women bearing the brunt of state-sponsored violence.
The scope of military operations by Indian forces in the region is alarming. A total of 20,869 cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) have been carried out, further militarizing daily life for ordinary Kashmiris. In addition to these operations, 326 properties have been seized, and 198 government employees have been suspended or dismissed, adding to the growing climate of fear and uncertainty.
Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the actions of the Indian government, drawing comparisons to Israeli military tactics, which are often characterized by heavy-handed control and suppression of civilian populations. Some observers even liken the situation in IIOJK to the repressive policies of the Soviet-era gulags, where restrictions on basic freedoms and a culture of surveillance were rampant. These comparisons underscore the scale and severity of the restrictions placed on Kashmiris, who continue to face daily violations of their fundamental rights.
The international community has been urged to take stronger action in addressing the crisis in IIOJK. Rights advocates insist that the world cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing abuses and that accountability is necessary to halt the Indian government’s relentless crackdown. The situation calls for global attention to ensure that justice is served for the Kashmiris who continue to suffer under these oppressive conditions.
