Ongoing Crackdown in IIOJK: Over 2,800 Kashmiris Detained

In a sweeping military operation following the Pahalgam incident, Indian forces have detained thousands across IIOJK, reigniting concerns about human rights violations and regional instability.

Since April 22, following the Pahalgam incident, Indian forces have launched a widespread crackdown across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Reports confirm that over 2,800 Kashmiri youth have been detained in raids and house searches across the Valley.

IIOJK’s Inspector General of Police, V. K. Birdi, confirmed the detentions. “So far, 90 individuals have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) across various parts of IIOJK,” Birdi stated. “More than 2,800 over-ground workers have also been taken into custody. This operation will be further intensified.”

The current operations are being conducted under the controversial Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Authorities have reportedly stormed homes, seized property documents, bank details, mobile phones, laptops, and other digital devices. Residents claim widespread property damage and allegations of looting, including theft of gold and cash.

Numerous Srinagar residents have had their homes raided. Among those affected are: Bashir Ahmad Bhat (Sozieth, Srinagar), Tawheed Ahmad (Goripora Sozieth), Ashiq Bashir Najar (Soiteng), Detained Salik Mehraj Dar (Soiteng), Jailed Umer Adil Dar (Soiteng), Bilal Ahmad Mir (Parimpora), Burhan Nazir Khushoo (Rainawari), Ashiq Malik (Panzinara), Ishfaq Ahmad Wani (Hamdaniya Colony), Mudasir Ahmad Mir (Malikpora Barthana), Irfan Ahmad Lone (Bilal Colony Qamarwari), Irfan Ahmad Seeru (Nawakadal), Naseer Ahmad Mir (Hazratbal), and numerous others.

These raids have drawn sharp criticism from political and civil society groups. Families of the detained report emotional trauma and the destruction of personal belongings. Many say they were not given any official documentation or legal reasons for the arrests.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, represented by Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, strongly condemned the actions. In a statement from Srinagar, Minhas urged the United Nations to send a fact-finding mission to assess the situation firsthand. He emphasized the need for the UN to act in accordance with its long-standing resolutions on Kashmir.

“The people of Kashmir remain the biggest victims of this decades-long unresolved dispute,” Minhas said. “Only a fair and just resolution in line with UN mandates can bring peace, political balance, and economic stability to the region.”

Amid these developments, calls for international attention have grown louder. Human rights advocates continue to warn that the unchecked use of laws like the UAPA and PSA poses severe risks to civil liberties.

As the IIOJK experiences heightened security and unrest, global observers remain concerned about the implications for peace and stability in South Asia.