Article: From Srinagar to Gaza: The Silent War Against Native Populations
By Yusra Shakeel
The forced removal of local groups disguised as development remains an urgent global topic, with the latest development in 2025 highlighting the seriousness of the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Israeli occupation in Gaza. Systematic threats, economic restrictions and cultural erosion continue to arise in these regions, justified under the banner of development and safety. However, the reality on the ground shows deliberate efforts to change demographic characteristics, change control and undermine the rights of Indigenous communities. Transformation initiatives including the construction of highways, new towns and industrial areas, these projects have been promoted as efforts to increase economic growth and connection, but have led to widespread evacuation of the local community. Srinagar and Jammu have forced over 15,000 families, many of whom are farmers and small landowners.
These projects prioritize the interests of non-Kashmiri investors and businesses, further alienating local residents. Construction of the satellite town along the environmental road drove out another 5,000 families in 2025. This led locals to fear that these townships would lead to a non-Kashmiris influx, and the demographic balance of the region would change. Additionally, the Indian Army has acquired a large country road for the construction of new military bases and infrastructure. This will only be used for military use in the Balamura and Kupuwara districts. This led to protests and clashes with residents who view these actions as part of a broader strategy to enhance local control. Economic restrictions, including frequent internet closures and movements, further suppress local businesses, exacerbate unemployment and create an environment of dependence and despair. Previously, special autonomous areas were granted. The removal of this constitutional clause allowed the purchase of land in the area, with the fear of demographic changes and cultural erosion. According to a report by Amnesty International 2025, over 3,000 land deals have been finalized with non-Kashmiris since the abrogation, further displacing local communities and undermining their economic stability. The Indian government defends these measures as necessary for economic development and integration, but critics argue that they are part of a broader strategy for integrating regional control.
In recent years, Israel continued to deteriorate, and expanded its settlement projects and tightened its economic lockdown. The construction of new settlements has encroached on Palestinian land, pushing communities into increasingly confined areas. According to the report of UN Human Rights Council, more than 700,000 Israeli settlers live on the occupied West Bank, with over 60% of the territory living in over 60% of the territory. The economic blockade, justified for security reasons, has crippled local industries and made it almost impossible for Palestinians to access important goods and services. Gaza’s unemployment rate reached an astounding 65%, with 80% of the population relying on international survival aid.
The lockdown also severely restricts access to healthcare, education and clean water, creating a humanitarian crisis that shows no signs of deposits, according to UN agencies. Israeli politics in Gaza reflects actions in the West Bank, where the construction of separation barriers and expansion of settlements fragment and resist the Palestinian community. It is important as the United States continues to provide military aid and diplomatic support to both India and Israel. In 2025, the US will increase military aid of US$3.8 billion, most of which will be used to maintain crews and expand settlements such as Congressional Research Services (2025). Similarly, the US maintains strong ties with India and is often deviating from criticizing policies in Kashmir. This double standard in global politics undermines efforts to take government into account for human rights abuses, immortalizing conflict and unstable cycles. The failure to resolve these injustices has attracted considerable attention, particularly from the Indian media.
The recent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan has drawn significant attention, particularly from Indian media. Erdogan’s statements, which called for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations resolutions, were met with strong criticism from Indian officials, who reiterated that Kashmir is an integral part of India. This diplomatic tension highlights the broader geopolitical implications of the Kashmir conflict and the international community’s growing concern over human rights violations in the region.
The forced shifts and economic management in Kashmir and Gaza are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of systematic oppression. In both regions, development projects and security measures are often used as tools to control local population groups at the expense of their rights and livelihoods. The loss of land associated with economic restrictions has created a cycle of dependence and despair, making it increasingly difficult for Indigenous communities to maintain their cultural identity and resist. The continued suffering of Kashmiri and Palestinian people demands urgent global attention.
As both regions are part of the Islamic world, it is crucial for Muslim nations to unite and take a firm stand against these injustices. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has often issued statements condemning these actions, but stronger collective action is needed. The Muslim world must use diplomatic, economic, and political means to hold India and Israel accountable for their actions. Unity among Muslim nations can create significant pressure on the international stage, ensuring that the voices of Kashmiris and Palestinians are heard. Only through a united front can these oppressed populations hope for justice, dignity, and the right to live peacefully in their homelands.
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The writer is a research intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) and serves as the Chapter Head of HEAL Pakistan at Islamic International University Islamabad, an initiative dedicated to fostering humanity, education empowerment, awareness, and leadership.
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