Srinagar: Authorities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), operating under the direction of the Lieutenant Governor, have seized orchard land belonging to two Kashmiris in Baramulla district. The action, reported by Kashmir Media Service, involved the attachment of seven marlas of land in the Brath Kalan Sopore area, under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The land in question belonged to Bilal Ahmad Mir and Mohammad Umar Mir. The seizure is part of a broader strategy that has been in place since the revocation of IIOJK’s special status by the Indian government in August 2019. This strategy, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, aims to dispossess Kashmiris of their homes and lands, thereby economically weakening the region’s population.

The use of the UAPA in this context highlights ongoing tensions in the region, where legal mechanisms are increasingly employed to confiscate properties. The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, who argue that it further exacerbates the already volatile situation in Kashmir.

The seizure of land is part of a series of actions taken by the Indian authorities, as they continue to assert control over the disputed territory. Critics claim these measures are designed to alter the demographic and economic landscape of the region, impacting the livelihoods of local residents.