Indian Troops Intensify Crackdown in Kishtwar, IIOJK

Tensions rise again in IIOJK as military forces launch a large-scale operation in Kishtwar, targeting pro-freedom voices and homes of civilians.

Indian troops have launched a large-scale cordon and search operation in the Kishtwar district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), escalating the already volatile situation in the region.

The military action took place in the Singhpora area of Chatroo, where Indian forces cordoned off neighborhoods and began house-to-house searches. Reports from local sources indicate a violent approach, with troops allegedly seeking out and targeting Kashmiri youth advocating for independence.

The operation is believed to be part of a broader effort by Indian forces to eliminate pro-freedom sentiment in the region. These youth, many of whom are unarmed, are demanding the right to self-determination—something the United Nations once pledged to the people of Kashmir.

In addition to targeting individuals, Indian authorities have reportedly begun dismantling and confiscating properties belonging to Kashmiris in IIOJK. These demolitions appear to be focused on those known for supporting peaceful resistance and voicing demands for justice.

This sweeping crackdown is not the first of its kind in the region. However, the intensity and scale of the current operation have sparked renewed fears among residents and human rights observers. Locals claim that these operations are being used as tools of suppression to silence dissent and crush the growing demand for plebiscite and autonomy.

Activists argue that such aggressive actions only deepen the alienation of the local population. Instead of fostering peace, the military’s approach is seen as further destabilizing the region, which has already witnessed decades of unrest.

Meanwhile, international human rights groups have repeatedly called on India to respect the basic rights of Kashmiris and to allow for peaceful political expression. Despite these calls, ground realities show an increasing militarization of civilian spaces.

Many in the region now live under a constant state of fear, with curfews, detentions, and surveillance becoming part of daily life. For Kashmir’s younger generation, hopes for a peaceful future are growing dim as the space for dialogue continues to shrink.

The recent actions in Kishtwar are seen as a continuation of India’s harsh strategy in the occupied territory, where suppression often replaces negotiation. As the situation unfolds, many are urging the global community to speak out and press for a peaceful resolution based on international commitments and the will of the Kashmiri people.