Modi Government’s Systematic Economic Repression in IIOJK

The Modi-led Indian government continues its oppressive policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) by intensifying dismissals of local government employees, further destabilizing the region.

Two more government workers, Abu Rehman Naika, a pharmacist, and Zahir Abbas, a teacher, have been terminated under dubious accusations of militancy links. These dismissals are part of a broader strategy that began after the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019.

The systematic targeting of Kashmiri employees is more than administrative action; it is a calculated effort to economically cripple the Muslim majority population of the region. By rendering individuals jobless, the Indian government advances its Hindutva agenda, replacing Kashmiri professionals with non-local Hindu employees.

This pattern of dismissals has escalated over the past four years. Dozens of government employees, from teachers to healthcare workers, have been unceremoniously removed under vague allegations, often without due process.

The tactic reveals a larger design: depriving Kashmiri Muslims of financial stability to deepen their dependency and discourage dissent. Economic suppression, combined with political marginalization, forms a two-pronged strategy to consolidate Indian control over the region.

The targeting of public servants comes alongside broader repressive measures, including mass land seizures, curfews, and a near-total clampdown on civil liberties. These actions are aimed at erasing Kashmiri identity and silencing resistance.

Furthermore, such dismissals are carried out under the guise of national security, exploiting the label of “militancy” to legitimize actions that would otherwise violate fundamental human rights. This manufactured justification reflects India’s disregard for transparency and fairness in its governance of IOJK.

The Hindutva-driven agenda does not merely stop at economic marginalization; it seeks to replace Kashmir’s socio-cultural fabric with one aligned with majoritarian ideals. By filling government posts with individuals loyal to this ideology, New Delhi aims to institutionalize its control over the region.

The dismissal of local employees also sends a chilling message to others: dissent, or even perceived non-alignment with the state’s agenda, will lead to dire consequences. Such tactics further exacerbate the already fragile situation in IIOJK, fueling alienation and resentment.

The international community must take note of these ongoing violations. These dismissals are not isolated incidents but part of a calculated campaign to disenfranchise an entire population. Urgent intervention is needed to hold India accountable and to restore dignity and economic security to the people of IIOJK.