The situation in Indian occupied Kashmir has grown increasingly unstable and concerning since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, with the Modi government losing effective control of the region despite claims of peace and development.
When Home Minister Amit Shah announced the revocation of Article 370 in Parliament, he declared it a "historic step" that would "end terrorism in Kashmir and bring peace and equal rights." These assertions have proven disconnected from reality, as the region continues to simmer with unrest and resistance.
The Modi government's unilateral policies, particularly the Article 370 revocation implemented while ignoring Kashmiri leadership and public sentiment, have transformed public anger into organized resistance. Political leaders including Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah were placed under house arrest, fuelling protests and strengthening resistance movements.
New political formations like "Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party" have emerged in direct response to Modi's policies, signalling growing opposition to the central government's approach in the region.
Human Rights Watch has extensively documented human rights violations in occupied Kashmir since 2019. Their reports indicate that over 200 civilians were killed in "fake encounters" by security forces during 2020 and 2021 alone. Thousands of Kashmiris, including political leaders, activists, and students, have been arrested without formal charges or trials.
From August 2019 to February 2020, residents endured a seven-month internet shutdown that paralysed daily life, with various communication restrictions continuing to this day. Human Rights Watch has also documented increased incidents of violence and rape during military operations, along with strict media censorship.
The region has effectively become "an open prison" under the Modi administration's measures, with frequent curfews and widespread human rights abuses becoming commonplace. The intensifying resistance against Modi's governance in Kashmir reflects the Kashmiri people's determination for self-determination despite escalating repression.
