Two Kashmiri Youth Martyred, One Arrested by Indian Troops in Rajouri

In yet another incident of state repression in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian forces have martyred two Kashmiri youth and arrested another during a brutal military operation in Rajouri, deepening the cycle of violence in the region.

In a fresh act of violence under India’s military occupation, two Kashmiri youth were martyred and another one arrested by Indian troops during a large-scale search operation in Rajouri district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The incident occurred in the Keri area of Rajouri, where Indian forces launched what they described as a counter-insurgency operation. According to reports, the two youth were killed during the course of the operation, which involved heavy deployment of soldiers and combing of the area.

While Indian army officials claimed that “militants” were neutralized, local sources report that those martyred were young Kashmiris whose identities and affiliations have yet to be independently verified. The ambiguity surrounding their deaths has raised serious concerns among rights groups and political observers.

The military also confirmed the arrest of one individual from the same locality. The Indian army’s spokesperson described the arrested youth as a “guide for militants,” a claim frequently used in previous operations to justify detentions without trial.

Such operations have become disturbingly common across IIOJK, where India’s armed forces have sweeping powers under laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), allowing them to conduct raids and make arrests with near-total impunity. Critics argue that this legal shield has paved the way for widespread human rights violations, including extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detentions.

Local residents in Rajouri expressed fear and unease following the operation. Many claim that these search operations are often used as a pretext to intimidate the population and suppress dissent.

Human rights advocates have long called for independent investigations into such killings, citing a lack of transparency and accountability in military operations. They argue that branding the martyred youth as militants without presenting evidence allows the narrative of armed resistance to overshadow the reality of systematic oppression.

Over the past few years, especially since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Indian forces have intensified their presence in the region, conducting frequent operations in both urban and remote areas. This has resulted in a sharp rise in casualties among Kashmiri youth, many of whom are caught in the crosshairs of what locals call an “occupation-driven war.”

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference and other pro-freedom groups condemned the killings, calling them yet another example of India’s “state terrorism” in the region. They reiterated their call for international intervention to address the deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir.

The silence of international bodies, they said, only emboldens Indian forces to continue their violent campaigns with impunity.

With each such incident, the deep mistrust between the local population and the Indian military apparatus continues to grow. Analysts warn that these killings further alienate Kashmiri youth and undermine any hopes for peace or reconciliation.

As Rajouri mourns the loss of more young lives, the questions remain unanswered: Who were these youth? What proof exists of their alleged militancy? And when, if ever, will justice be delivered?