Indian Forces Intensify CASOs in IIOJK, Escalating Civilian Harassment

As Indian forces continue relentless cordon and search operations in IIOJK, fear and frustration deepen among local residents facing daily raids and interrogations.

Indian troops have ramped up large-scale cordon and search operations (CASOs) across multiple districts in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), heightening the harassment and suffering of the local population.

Joint contingents of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, Special Operations Groups (SOG), and the State Investigation Agency (SIA) have launched coordinated house raids and combing operations in the districts of Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, and Ramban.

In Kishtwar, the operation entered its third consecutive day, particularly focusing on the dense forests of the Singhpora-Chatroo area. Reports indicate that Indian forces have deployed drones, helicopters, and elite para-commandos to sweep through the region, showcasing the scale and intensity of the military action.

Residents in these districts are facing immense psychological and physical stress due to ongoing searches and surveillance. Eyewitnesses report sudden raids, aggressive questioning, and a heavy military presence that has brought normal life to a standstill. Many civilians have been subjected to on-the-spot interrogation, creating a climate of fear and anxiety.

Meanwhile, fresh operations have been launched in Islamabad district, where Indian troops are going door-to-door, questioning several civilians. Local accounts reveal that entire neighborhoods are being cordoned off without prior notice, and families are being forced to comply with intrusive searches under heavy surveillance.

These operations, often conducted without warrants or clear justification, have been widely criticized by human rights advocates for violating basic civil liberties. Activists argue that such aggressive tactics serve more to intimidate than to ensure security, and that the local population—already reeling under years of military control—is being further alienated.

Observers believe the escalation is part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and control the narrative within the region. The extensive use of military-grade equipment in civilian areas underscores the Indian government’s hardline approach to dealing with the disputed territory.

This sustained military campaign adds to the already grim human rights situation in IIOJK, where surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and curfews have become regular features of daily life. Despite repeated calls from international human rights organizations and local leaders for restraint and dialogue, the Indian government continues to pursue militarized policies in the region.

The international community is being urged once again to intervene and pressure India to halt these operations and respect the fundamental rights of Kashmiris. The continued use of military force against an unarmed civilian population raises urgent concerns about justice, dignity, and peace in the region.