Indian Forces Harass Families of Hurriyat Members in Fresh Crackdown Across IIOJK

In yet another wave of repression, Indian forces intensify house raids in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), targeting families of Hurriyat activists and violating basic human rights.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Indian forces have continued their oppressive tactics by raiding the homes of prominent Hurriyat members and harassing their families. The latest wave of house raids has heightened tensions in the region, further exposing the repressive measures aimed at silencing the freedom movement.

One such raid took place at the residence of Farooq Ahmad Dar, a senior member of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), in Handwara. Dar’s affiliation with the Democratic Freedom Party, led by imprisoned leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, was cited as the reason behind the search operation.

During the raid, Indian police confiscated household items, including important documents, bank records, and mobile phones, labeling the seizure as part of an ongoing ‘investigation’. However, no formal charges have been filed, leading to concerns over the arbitrary nature of these actions.

Simultaneously, coordinated house raids were carried out in Bandipora district, targeting the residences of other Hurriyat activists such as Bashir Ahmad Butt, Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, Ghulam Mohammad Waza, and Sajad Ahmad Nawoo.

The Indian forces questioned these individuals about their political affiliations with the Hurriyat Conference, accusing them of supporting the Kashmiri people’s demand for the right to self-determination and freedom from Indian occupation.

Reports from the ground reveal that during these search operations, the families of the activists were subjected to harassment, intimidation, and psychological pressure. Women, elderly family members, and children were reportedly terrorized, with Indian forces issuing stern warnings against any form of support to the Hurriyat camp.

Such actions are widely seen as an attempt to crush dissent and intimidate those who stand for azaadi (freedom), under the pretext of law enforcement.

These raids are being carried out under the administration of New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor Minhaj Sinha, whose regime is widely criticized for its communal and authoritarian policies. Sinha’s administration continues to target political activists, religious leaders, and ordinary civilians who voice their support for IIOJK’s freedom struggle.

Rights groups and political observers argue that these oppressive tactics not only violate fundamental human rights but also aim to stifle the legitimate political aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The repeated house raids, unlawful seizures, and harassment of families reflect the Indian authorities’ continued efforts to dismantle the Hurriyat leadership and suppress the Kashmiri people’s voice for self-determination. Yet, despite these coercive measures, the spirit of resistance remains alive among the people of IIOJK.