Kupwara Protests Highlight Unemployment Crisis in IIOJK Amid Stalled Infrastructure Projects

The ongoing protests by unemployed youth in Kupwara reveal the harsh economic realities faced by Kashmiri workers, shedding light on the inefficiencies in governance and the clear contrast between the Modi government’s development promises and the ground-level struggles.

Thousands of unemployed youth and workers have taken to the streets in Kupwara, demanding the Forest Department issue clearance for stalled Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects. These projects are critical for the livelihoods of over 5,000 families, who are now facing severe economic hardship due to bureaucratic delays. The protests underscore not only the inefficiencies within the local administration but also highlight the precarious nature of employment in the region.

The delay in issuing the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Forest Department has brought vital construction work to a standstill, leaving thousands of daily wage workers without an income. This halt in progress has pushed many workers into a state of financial desperation, with some even contemplating extreme measures like suicide due to the severity of their circumstances. The situation is a clear reflection of the broader issue of bureaucratic inefficiency in IIOJK, where basic needs and rights are often overlooked by authorities.

This protest also exposes the contradictions in India’s development narrative for IIOJK. While the Modi-led government continues to tout its plans for economic growth and infrastructure development post-Article 370 revocation, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Instead of progress, workers in the region face increasing unemployment and economic instability. The government’s failure to ensure timely clearances for essential projects not only hampers development but also contradicts its rhetoric of bringing prosperity to the region.

Many workers in IIOJK are already in precarious employment conditions, making them particularly vulnerable when projects are delayed. With vital infrastructure projects stalled, these workers are left without a source of income, pushing them deeper into economic crisis. The situation has worsened the already dire employment situation in the region, which is seen by many as a deliberate strategy to keep the local population disempowered and dependent.

The protests also highlight a deeper issue of political neglect and exploitation. Since 2019, the BJP government, through the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in IIOJK, has terminated over 160 employees, leaving many people unemployed and creating a sense of betrayal among the local population. For many, these actions further solidify the perception that Kashmiri Muslims are being systematically targeted, undermining their economic stability and disempowering them politically.

The failure to address the grievances of workers in Kupwara, along with the widespread unemployment in IIOJK, paints a grim picture of the current state of affairs in the region. The indifference of the administration to the plight of the local population is further alienating the people, making it clear that the government’s promises of development and prosperity are far from being realized.