Srinagar: India’s approach to managing its conflict in the Kashmir region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is reportedly taking cues from Israeli strategies in Gaza. This development comes amidst heightened tensions and increased military presence in the region, as New Delhi seeks to integrate the territory fully against local wishes. The situation has escalated with reports of insurgent attacks and a significant crackdown on local rights, raising concerns about potential human rights violations and a broader humanitarian crisis.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian government has intensified its military strategy in the region, which has been described by experts as adopting tactics similar to those used by Israel in its dealings with Hamas in Gaza. This year, the Indian government has attributed at least five attacks in the region to a new wave of insurgency, framing these incidents within a narrative of terrorism which has been critical in justifying its actions in Kashmir.
The narrative set by New Delhi portrays the resistance in Kashmir as a terrorist movement, a stance that has been used to support claims of necessary military intervention. Reports from Indian authorities have noted the death of 16 Indian soldiers and policemen this year due to alleged attacks by militants, including an ambush on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims on June 9, coinciding with Modi’s inauguration for a third term.
Critics, however, argue that the Indian government’s narrative overlooks the severe impact of its policies on the local population. Since 2019, when India revoked the special autonomous status of the Muslim-majority territory, there has been a significant increase in military activities and restrictions on civil liberties. The situation in Kashmir has been likened to an “open-air prison” with frequent internet shutdowns and a heavy military presence restricting movement and communication.
Experts have drawn parallels between Modi’s tactics and those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that both leaders use the pretext of terrorism to justify aggressive military strategies against beleaguered populations. This comparison extends to the demographic and political tactics employed, such as altering the population balance in strategic regions to weaken local claims to territory.
The international community’s response to these developments has been muted, with major powers largely accepting India’s framing of the conflict as part of its internal affairs. This acceptance has emboldened the Modi administration to pursue more aggressive policies, mirroring Netanyahu’s approach in Gaza, which has faced significant international criticism but limited concrete action.
Observers and rights groups have called for a more robust international response to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis in Kashmir. They urge the United Nations and other international bodies to investigate the claims of insurgency and terrorism used by India to justify its military actions in the region.
The situation in Kashmir remains volatile, with potential for further escalation as both local resistance and Indian military responses continue to intensify. The international community’s next steps could be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the conflict and the lives of millions of people in the region.