Modi regime intensifies settler colonial agenda in IIOJK through property seizures
Srinagar: Political experts and analysts based in Srinagar have said that the BJP-led Hindutva government of India is expanding its settler colonial project in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir through the systematic seizure of Kashmiris’ land and confiscation of their properties.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in their interviews, the analysts highlighted that the New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor (LG) is acting under the direct orders of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah to systematically target the Kashmiri people, using property confiscation as a tool to weaken their resolve for freedom. The experts noted that since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, property confiscations have become a normalized practice in the occupied territory, with authorities seizing valuable assets under various pretexts. The analysts spoke on the condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals from the occupation authorities.
The experts pointed out that properties worth crores of rupees, belonging to Kashmiri individuals, including Hurriyat leaders, activists, and organizations, have been confiscated by Indian authorities so far. They described these actions as part of a broader punitive campaign aimed at punishing Kashmiris for their unwavering support of the legitimate struggle for self-determination.
In addition to property seizures, the experts emphasized the ongoing atrocities and harassment faced by Kashmiris, with Indian military, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Investigation Agency (SIA), conducting frequent and violent cordon and search operations, house raids, and arrests. “Since 1989, Kashmiris have been subjected to killings, torture, and arbitrary detention by Indian forces. With over a million Indian troops deployed across the region, Jammu and Kashmir has become the most militarized zones in the world,” the analysts noted.
The experts further stressed that the Indian government must understand that the Kashmiris’ demand for freedom cannot be suppressed through oppressive measures, including the confiscation of properties. They called on the international community to take urgent notice of India’s brutal tactics in the IIOJK and to hold the Indian authorities accountable for their massive human rights violations in the territory.
