Srinagar, The government led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues its actions against residents of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, confiscating homes and other properties of those affiliated with the region’s freedom movement.
According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, in a recent move, the government seized an orchard property spanning one kanal and 15 marlas belonging to freedom activist, Feroz Ganai, located at Noorpora in the Awantipora region of Pulwama district. This action is reportedly related to a case registered under statutes including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Previously, the central authorities had confiscated the headquarters of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Srinagar, and numerous properties owned by Hurriyat leaders and affiliated groups throughout the territory. Furthermore, various residential units, commercial establishments, and other assets have been demolished in the area.
Simultaneously, the detained All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Masarrat Aalam Butt, while held in New Delhi’s Tihar jail, paid tribute to the Bijbehara victims on the eve of their martyrdom anniversary. He emphasized the need for an unbiased inquiry into all reported atrocities committed by Indian forces in the region. On October 22, 1993, over 50 Kashmiris reportedly lost their lives in Bijbehara when Indian Border Security Force personnel fired at demonstrators protesting against the military’s presence in Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine.
In another event, People Democratic Party leader, Mehbooba Mufti, spearheaded a protest in Srinagar opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza. She, alongside party activists, attempted a march towards Lal Chowk city center but were halted by police forces near the General Post Office. During the demonstration, the Palestinian flag was prominently displayed.
The President of Anjuman Sharie Shian, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi, denounced the repeated summoning of party members to police stations. Notably, numerous members, including Agha Muntazir Al-Moosvi, have been regularly called in relation to a protest march held on October 13 in Badgam, opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In contrast, actions to promote the Hindutva ideology of the RSS in the region were evident when the Modi-led government orchestrated the singing of the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional song, in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. A significant number of Hindu participants were reportedly brought in from other parts of India for the event.
Furthermore, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President, Omar Abdullah, while attending an event in New Delhi, shared his concerns regarding the media’s current state in the region. He noted the prevailing environment of fear, even among cartoonists, who are hesitant to critique the government.