In recent years, life in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has been increasingly overshadowed by fear, uncertainty, and constant surveillance. What were once described as occasional security measures—cordon and search operations (CASOs), crackdowns, and house raids—have now become a routine part of daily life for the people of the region. A recent report highlights how these practices have evolved into a normalized system of control, raising serious concerns about human rights and civil liberties.
Indian occupation forces are carrying out widespread operations across the region. These actions are often justified under the pretext of maintaining law and order or countering militancy. However, for ordinary Kashmiris, these justifications offer little comfort. Instead, they face repeated intrusions into their homes, arbitrary questioning, and, in many cases, detention without clear charges.
One of the most alarming aspects of these operations is the way they impact civilians. Women, children, and the elderly are not spared. Families report being subjected to harassment during late-night raids, with armed personnel entering homes, searching belongings, and sometimes detaining young men without explanation. Such actions create a climate of fear that extends far beyond those directly targeted.
Youth in particular appear to be disproportionately affected. Many are arrested during these operations, often accused of participating in protests, supporting pro-freedom sentiments, or being involved in drug-related activities. These accusations are frequently used as tools to suppress dissent rather than address genuine security concerns.
Residential homes, shops, and even land have been attached or demolished during these crackdowns. For families already struggling with economic hardship, such actions can be devastating. Losing a home or source of livelihood not only affects immediate survival but also deepens long-term instability in the region.
This pattern of intensified operations is not an isolated development. Other reports indicate that house raids and search operations have been carried out in multiple districts, including Srinagar, Shopian, and Ganderbal, often accompanied by mass detentions. These coordinated actions suggest a broader strategy aimed at maintaining strict control over the population.
Since August 5, 2019, when the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked, the situation has further deteriorated. The report claims that over a thousand Kashmiris have been killed, thousands injured, and more than a thousand properties destroyed during this period. Additionally, large numbers of people, including political leaders and activists, have been detained.
Human rights organizations and observers have repeatedly expressed concern over these developments. Reports highlight a pattern of arbitrary arrests, suppression of dissent, and restrictions on basic freedoms. The use of stringent laws has made it easier for authorities to detain individuals for extended periods without trial, raising questions about due process and justice.
Beyond the statistics, the human cost of these policies is immense. For many Kashmiris, daily life is marked by anxiety and unpredictability. Parents worry about the safety of their children, especially young men who may be picked up during a raid. Communities live under the constant threat of surveillance, with little sense of security even within their own homes.
Residents also describe how these operations disrupt normal life. Schools, businesses, and public activities are often affected when an area is cordoned off. The psychological impact is equally severe, as repeated exposure to such conditions can lead to long-term trauma and a sense of helplessness.
These measures are part of a broader political strategy rather than purely security-driven actions. They believe that the aim is to silence voices demanding self-determination and to project an image of “normalcy” to the outside world. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story—one of ongoing tension and widespread distress.
The international community has been urged to take notice of the situation. Observers emphasize that human rights must be upheld regardless of political or security challenges. They call for independent investigations, greater transparency, and accountability for actions that violate international norms.
The writer is a student of Political science at the University of Punjab. Currently she is serving as an intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, Islamabad.
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