Occupied over powered; Kashmir’s Military Siege

India’s decision to deploy 20,000 additional Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a troubling pattern of perpetual militarization in a region already saturated with armed forces. With nearly a million military and paramilitary personnel stationed there, this overwhelming presence is widely regarded as both a cause and consequence of the ongoing violence, bloodshed, and human rights violations.

The recent move to raise 20 new CRPF battalions goes beyond a routine security measure. It reveals a deeply entrenched totalitarian mindset that sees military expansion as the primary tool for control. Instead of addressing political grievances through dialogue, the Indian government continues to rely on force, reinforcing its grip over a region that remains internationally recognized as a disputed territory.

It is important to note that India already maintains around 900,000 troops (including military and paramilitary forces) in occupied Kashmir, making it the most militarized zone in the world (as documented in JKCCS reports from 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2019). This number surged in 2019 when nearly 80,000 additional personnel were deployed following the revocation of Article 370. Today, the ratio of Indian soldiers to Kashmiri civilians stands at approximately 1:10—an extraordinary and deeply unsettling figure that often goes unnoticed.

The massive troop presence has not only contributed to widespread rights violations but has also facilitated land expropriation on an alarming scale. Tens of thousands of acres of land have been seized from Kashmiris, undermining their livelihoods and displacing families from their ancestral homes. The Indian army is believed to have grabbed over 54,000 acres, with laws altered to allow permanent construction on occupied land.

According to India’s Defence Ministry, as of recent figures, 56,615 acres of land in Jammu and Kashmir are under the control of defence departments and organizations. This number excludes land held by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). In the 2018 Legislative Assembly session, then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stated that over 21,400 hectares (52,879 acres) were under unauthorized occupation, while an additional 18,846 hectares were officially sanctioned for defense use.

Other concerning developments include:

1. In May 2017, 7.5 acres of state land belonging to JKHPMC were leased to the CRPF

2. On July 4, 2017, the J&K High Court permitted the Army to construct permanent structures at a transit camp in the ecologically sensitive Sonamarg area.

3. In the week leading up to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, 100 companies of CAPF were deployed, and media reports suggested even more followed.

Troop Deployment Timeline

a. pre-2019: 500,000–750,000 Indian troops stationed in Kashmir.

b. 2019 Surge: Nearly 80,000 more deployed post-abrogation

c. 2021: Thousands more, including 2,500 CRPF and 5,000 BSF personnel.

These deployments have raised serious concerns about their impact on civilian life, political rights, and environmental sustainability. The large-scale occupation of land for military use has affected housing, livelihoods, and access to public spaces. It has also led to the degradation of ecologically fragile zones due to construction and troop mobilization.

The government’s militarized approach is part of a broader strategy to silence dissent and suppress Kashmiri aspirations for self-determination—an internationally recognized right guaranteed to them under multiple UN resolutions. Far from resolving the conflict, New Delhi’s recent actions have deepened mistrust and fears of being annihilated, particularly among the region’s Muslim majority population.

The region’s tragic history demonstrates that India’s sledgehammer policy has consistently failed to address the root causes of unrest—including denial of self-determination, socio-political repression, and rights abuses. The government’s strategy of delegitimizing Kashmir’s resistance and ignoring the aspirations of its people has only escalated tensions.

Recent Standoff Between India and Pakistan

The recent standoff between India and Pakistan further underscores the precarious situation in the region. India, under pressure from domestic opposition and left alienated by its international allies, has resorted to creating chaos through militarization and the weaponization of free speech and dissent. This approach not only exacerbates tensions but also undermines prospects for peace and stability.

Costs of Militarization

The consequences of militarization on Kashmiri society are profound: It has deeply impacted society, leading to widespread human rights violations, psychological distress, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. The troops’ concentration in populated and highly sensitive areas has led to:

1. Human Rights Violations: Arbitrary detentions, torture, and custodial killings have become tragically common.

2. Displacement & Livelihood Disruption: Militarization has disrupted traditional livelihoods, including farming and fishing, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like lakes and forests.

3. Environmental Impact: Deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss have surged due to unchecked military construction

4. Educational Disruption: Schools and universities have been shut or occupied, affecting access to education.

5. Mental Health Crisis: Constant surveillance and violence have led to increased cases of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

A Way Forward Given the region’s history, India needs to recognize ground realities and acknowledge the fact that militarization cannot solve the Kashmir dispute that continues to pose a threat to peace and security in the region and beyond. A just and durable settlement of the long-drawn conflict requires a fundamental shift from coercion to consultation. This involves:

1. Engaging in sincere, inclusive dialogue with Kashmiri political leadership across all spectrums.

2. Addressing human rights violations and holding security forces accountable.

3. Involving local stakeholders in peace-building to ensure a long-term solution.

4. Demilitarizing sensitive zones to restore civilian life and protect the environment.

Sadly, New Delhi’s refusal to acknowledge ground realities and its reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue with key stakeholders has significantly narrowed down the space for peaceful resolution. Its overreliance on force has fuelled humanitarian crises, stifled freedoms, and prolonged instability in the region.

Without a strategic reorientation toward diplomacy, justice, and inclusive governance, the conflict in Kashmir will continue to fester—with serious implications not just for Kashmiris, but for regional and global peace.

Author: Altaf Hussain Wani is the chairman of the Islamabad-based think tank, the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR).

He can be reached via email: Saleeemwani@hotmail.com and X @sultan1913