Manipur unrest exposes India’s selective repression as crackdown intensifies in IIOJK
Srinagar: As fresh ethnic violence engulfs the volatile northeastern Indian state of Manipur, India continues to intensify military operations and repressive measures in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, drawing criticism over what observers describe as selective and politically motivated crackdowns.
According to Kashmir Media Service, more than 200 people have lost their lives in Manipur since ethnic clashes erupted on May 3, 2023. The violence flared up again in early February 2026, particularly in the Ukhrul district, where reports said around 30 houses were torched amid armed confrontations between Naga and Kuki communities. Villagers were displaced as gunfire and arson incidents were reported in the area.
On February 17, authorities evacuated 51 Kuki students from a school in Ukhrul and imposed a five-day internet shutdown along with curfew restrictions, ostensibly to restore order. Thousands of displaced people continue to live in relief camps under difficult conditions, while protests have intensified in Churachandpur over political and security grievances.
Meanwhile, in IIOJK, Indian forces have escalated cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) and raids across multiple districts. In February alone, operations were carried out in Pulwama’s Karewa areas and in Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk. On February 5, an improvised explosive device (IED) was reportedly recovered in Rajouri’s Khablan area, while search operations continue in the forested belts of Kishtwar.
Authorities have also restricted civilian movement for 60 days in areas near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua district from February 15. Raids in Islamabad and Baramulla districts have resulted in the detention of dozens of residents under what officials describe as anti-terror measures.
Human rights observers have voiced concern over arbitrary arrests and alleged torture in Srinagar and Jammu. Despite the mounting repression, political analysts say that voices demanding justice, accountability and fundamental rights in both Manipur and IIOJK remain resilient.
