Since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, Indian-occupied Kashmir has descended into further instability, with the Modi government losing substantial control over the region despite claims of fostering peace and progress.
When Home Minister Amit Shah announced the move to revoke Article 370 in Parliament, he hailed it as a historic decision that would eliminate terrorism in Kashmir and ensure peace and equal rights. However, these promises have not materialized, as the region remains in a state of unrest and resistance.
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The government’s unilateral approach, particularly its disregard for Kashmiri leadership and public opinion, has fueled public anger, which has now morphed into organized opposition. Key political figures like Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah were detained under house arrest, which intensified protests and empowered resistance movements.
New political groups, such as the “Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party,” have emerged in direct opposition to the Modi administration, signaling growing dissent against central government policies in the region.
Human Rights Watch has extensively reported on the increasing human rights violations since 2019, including the killing of over 200 civilians in staged encounters by security forces in 2020 and 2021. Thousands of Kashmiris, including leaders, activists, and students, have been detained without formal charges or trials.
Between August 2019 and February 2020, the region suffered a seven-month internet shutdown that disrupted daily life, with ongoing communication restrictions. The organization has also documented rising violence and sexual assaults during military operations, along with strict censorship of the media.
Under the current administration, the region has become a virtual “open prison,” with frequent curfews and widespread human rights abuses. The increasing resistance against Modi’s rule in Kashmir demonstrates the unwavering determination of the Kashmiri people to pursue self-determination, despite mounting repression.
