Indian Troops Continue Repression in IIOJK
February 1, 2025The ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK have reached new heights as Indian troops intensify their crackdown, claiming the lives of innocent civilians, including children, and silencing voices of dissent.
In January 2025, Indian troops in their continued acts of state terrorism martyred 11 Kashmiris, including six teenagers, in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These killings underscore the rising brutality and oppression faced by the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation.
Eight of the victims died as a result of water contamination in the village of Budhal, located in the Rajouri district. The contamination, caused by Indian military forces, affected an elderly couple among the victims, further illustrating the inhumane methods used by the occupying forces. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the brutal tactics employed to suppress the Kashmiri population, with little regard for civilian lives. These actions paint a troubling picture of the state’s increasing militarization of civilian spaces and the widespread use of force to maintain control over the region.
Throughout the month of January, the situation in IIOJK continued to deteriorate as Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police forces arrested 37 civilians, most of whom were political activists, youth, and students. These arrests were part of a larger campaign to crush any opposition to the Indian government’s policies in Kashmir. Many detainees were charged under oppressive laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA). These laws allow for prolonged detention without trial and are often used as a tool to silence dissent and maintain the status quo of occupation.
In addition to the killings and arrests, the Indian military also caused damage to civilian infrastructure, destroying one building during the month of January. This act of vandalism reflects the broader pattern of destruction and disruption of everyday life faced by Kashmiris under the ongoing occupation. The continual military repression, coupled with the suppression of political freedoms, points to a systematic effort to break the spirit of the Kashmiri people and prevent them from voicing their aspirations for self-determination.
The Indian government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has not wavered in its determination to keep IIOJK under control, using state machinery to extend its reach and crush the will of the people. With every passing month, the situation in IIOJK grows more dire as human rights violations continue unabated. As the international community watches, the Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom and justice remains a largely ignored plight, with the Indian state continuing its violent campaign to suppress their calls for autonomy.
The relentless cycle of violence, arrests, and oppression faced by Kashmiris paints a stark picture of life under occupation. Until the international community takes more decisive action, the people of IIOJK will continue to endure immense suffering, and their fight for justice will remain a long and painful battle.
