Since Article 370 was repealed three years and six months ago, the Indian government is currently preparing to make colonial settlements through unauthorized land removal drives.
The abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in August 2019 removed the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir and brought the region under the direct control of the central government. This change gave the Indian government full control over the administration, land and resources, and economy of Jammu and Kashmir, which was previously governed by a separate set of laws and regulations.
It sparked widespread protests and unrest in the region. The move was seen by many as an attack on the state's identity and cultural heritage, and led to concerns about the erosion of regional autonomy and the impact on the rights of the local population. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, with ongoing restrictions on movement and communication, as well as reports of widespread human rights abuses. This move effectively revoked several laws that protected land ownership rights of residents in the region. Since then, there has been ongoing controversy and political tension in the region, with many residents opposing the changes to their land rights and the Indian government defending its decision as necessary for development and security reasons.
Since Article 370 was repealed three years and six months ago, the Indian government is currently preparing to make colonial settlements through unauthorized land removal drives. The new land laws in Jammu and Kashmir, which allow for the transfer of land to non-residents, have been a source of concern for many in the region. The laws are perceived as a threat to local landowners and have fueled fears of demographic change, leading to a sense of insecurity and trauma among the population.
These fears have been compounded by the recent history of conflict and violence in the region, as well as the ongoing restrictions on movement and communication. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, with ongoing concerns about human rights and the future of the region. The issue of eviction orders and demolition of homes and businesses is a complex and sensitive matter. If such orders are carried out, it could have significant impacts on the affected communities and individuals, including economic hardships and displacement. It is important for any such actions to be carried out by the rule of law and human rights standards, and for the concerns and perspectives of those affected to be taken into consideration.
What India is doing in Kashmir is engineering a system of ethnic cleansing that seeks to annihilate the local population and force them into subjugation and oppression.
The land eviction drive has already caused fear psychosis among Kashmiris; they are terrified that they could be evicted from their homes at any time. Bulldozing Muslim homes has become popular in Indian states as a result of the Modi government's anti-poor and anti-Muslim policies. The BJP is currently the ruling party in India, with Narendra Modi serving as the Prime Minister since 2014. The BJP's political ideology is rooted in Hindu nationalism and it supports chauvinistic and conservative social policies. Through their disparaging remarks on the country's minority population, its members encourage violence and hatred. Their primary goal is to transform India into a Hindutva state, where non-Hindus would face discrimination and will be viewed as second-class citizens.
The majority of communities around Kashmir have expressed concerns that they are being pushed into hardships and poverty due to the loss of control over their land and resources. This can occur when outside entities, such as corporations or governments, take control of the land and resources and use them for their purposes without considering the well-being of the local population. This can result in the displacement of communities, loss of traditional livelihoods, and reduced access to essential resources like food and water. Communities need to have a voice in decisions about the use of their land and resources to ensure that development is sustainable and benefits everyone, not just a select few.
This statement refers to a criticism made by local political parties against the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They accuse the government of engaging in acts of revenge and pursuing a political vendetta against its opponents. Bulldozing property is a severe action that can have serious consequences for the individuals and communities affected by it. Many politicians view it as an act of revenge, but this kind of revenge only perpetuates cycles of violence and conflict.
Collective punishment is generally considered to be a violation of international humanitarian law, as it punishes innocent people for actions committed by others. The forced displacement of people from their homes and lands can have serious humanitarian consequences, and governments need to ensure that any such measures are by their obligations under international law and are necessary, proportional, and provide adequate protection for the rights and well-being of those affected.
What India is doing in Kashmir is engineering a system of ethnic cleansing that seeks to annihilate the local population and force them into subjugation and oppression. It is a settler colonial policy remaking and reckoning the state of Palestine here. The objective of these policies is to displace the indigenous people, take control of the land, and establish a permanent settlement. One aspect of these policies is often to dismantle or undermine the cultural, political, and social structures of the indigenous people, to exert greater control over the colony. These moves can make way for demographic and cultural changes in the region. The fear is that these settlements may lead to systemic suppression of Muslims.
The role of the international community in preventing the demolition of houses of Muslims in Kashmir would depend on various factors such as the legal and political situation within India, and the stance of the international community towards the issue.
The international community has to take diplomatic measures, such as raising the issue in international forums and with the Indian government, and providing support to affected communities through humanitarian aid. However, ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Pakistani government to uphold human rights and ensure that any demolition of homes is stopped immediately.
Pakistan has to play a substantial diplomatic role in the Kashmir issue by advocating for the rights of the Kashmiri people and supporting their right to self-determination.