INDIA HYBRID WATER IN KASHMIR
INDIA HYBRID WATER IN KASHMIR
Abstract
In the orchestrated strategy of hybrid warfare conducted by the Modi-led BJP government in Kashmir, radical laws and policies serve as tools to advance colonial agendas, persistently aiming to fulfill the longstanding commitment of unifying India into a Hindu nationalist state. The Indian state portrays itself as a self-proclaimed guardians of the national territory, concurrently characterizing Kashmiris as intruders on their ancestral land. The nullification of Kashmir›s partial autonomy in August 2019, through the annulment of Article 370 and Article 35-A, unfurled a series of draconian measures, exemplifying a calculated fusion of militarization, legal maneuvering, and blatant human rights violations that transcend conventional norms of conflict. The BJP›s pursuit of forms of coloniality in Kashmir, cloaked in the guise of unifying Akhand Bharat, has plunged the region into a perpetual state of emergency. Kashmiris find themselves in collective internment, stripped of fundamental rights, suffocating under unrelenting lockdowns, and besieged by militaristic and legal hostility.
Keywords: BJP, India, Kashmir, Hybrid Warfare, Akhand Bharat
Introduction
The Kashmir question, often dubbed the ‹mother of all questions›, has been the subject of ongoing debates for the past 75 years, all in pursuit of a peaceful resolution. The struggle for self-determination by the people of Jammu and Kashmir traces back to the partition of the Indian Subcontinent, where the signing of the «Letter of Instrument of Accession to India» by Maharaja Hari Singh remains a contentious issue. The annulment of Articles 35(A) and 370 added complexity to the Kashmir dispute, plunging the region into perpetual turmoil. This move not only altered the independent status of Jammu and Kashmir but also exacerbated demographic disparities, particularly impacting the Muslimmajority regions under Indian control. Despite numerous discussions and dialogues over the past seventy-five years, the conflict persists due to India›s unyielding strategy, an uncompromising approach and a lack of trust between the two neighboring nations. The decision to alter Jammu and Kashmir›s status had long been part of the Bharatiya Janata Party›s (BJP) agenda, culminating in the 2019 actions that went beyond scrapping its unique status.
By Mehr Un Nisa
The statehood was also rescinded, creating two Union Territories under direct federal control. Detaining the entire Kashmiri political class further aggravated the situation, extinguishing the prospects of an elected regional government. The plight of the Kashmiri population in the occupied territory is deeply concerning, with health experts revealing a stark rise in mental health issues since August 2019 ,5. According to studies, a staggering %45 of Kashmir›s adult population is grappling with various forms of mental distress. The prolonged presence of Indian troops, coupled with mass arrests and custodial disappearances, has created an environment of trauma and anxiety in IIOJK.
The Kashmiri people endure the emotional turmoil of living without their loved ones, many of whom have been either martyred, imprisoned, or subjected to custodial disappearances by Indian forces. Notably, a significant portion of pellet victims in Kashmir is now plagued by depressive and panic disorders, underscoring the severe toll on the mental well-being of the Kashmiri people. Over four years later, Kashmiri Muslims harbor deep resentment toward New Delhi, exacerbated by subsequent legislative and administrative changes hinting at demographic engineering. The ability for non-Kashmiris to acquire land, residency rights and government jobs, coupled with the removal of Kashmiri Muslims from key positions, signals a profound transformation in the region›s socio-political landscape. This alteration of the region›s demographic makeup became a rallying point for various hybrid warfare actors, who sought to exploit identity struggles and capitalize on the fears of Kashmiris regarding their cultural and political future.
Promises of regional elections raise concerns about the potential manipulation of constituencies to favor the Hindu- majority Jammu region over the predominantly Muslim Kashmir valley. In the evolving federal system, an elected assembly in a Union Territory would wield limited influence, with executive powers firmly controlled by New Delhi. The absence of legitimate political channels intensified the recruitment efforts of these groups, contributing to the hybrid warfare landscape. In a strong rebuke on December 2023 ,26, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge unequivocally condemned the Modi government, asserting that it has spared no effort in betraying the people of the occupied territory. Kharge›s condemnation reflects a poignant critique of the government›s actions, highlighting the depth of betrayal felt by the people in the region.
The Modi administration has hinted at restoring Jammu and Kashmir›s statehood to grant more meaningful political representation. However, actions have yet to materialize, leaving Kashmiris in a state of uncertainty. The standoff between New Delhi›s centralizing policies and the aspirations for regional autonomy remains a critical challenge. Hybrid actors capitalized on the narrative vacuum, disseminating propaganda to shape perceptions both locally and internationally. The recent substantial deployment of Indian forces in Rajouri and Poonch on December 2023 ,27, ahead of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh›s visit, along with the ongoing suspension of mobile internet services for the fifth consecutive day, exacerbates the challenges faced by Kashmiris. This not only disrupts their daily lives but also hampers businesses, communication and essential services, intensifying the hardships endured by the people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Kashmir dispute calls for a systematic resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions to prevent further escalation. The conflict›s protraction emphasizes the urgent need for international intervention to facilitate a comprehensive and lasting solution. The international community must play a pivotal role in urging both India and Pakistan to engage in sincere dialogue, fostering an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. A resolution aligned with UN resolutions is crucial not only for the stability of the South Asian region but also for the well-being and self- determination of the people of Kashmir.
Hybrid Warfare
At its core, hybrid warfare leverages conventional military operations, deploying troops, conducting air strikes and orchestrating naval actions. However, what sets it apart is the seamless integration of non-traditional methods that amplify its effectiveness. Unconventional tactics, including irregular forces, proxy groups and paramilitary organizations, add a layer of complexity, allowing aggressors to achieve military objectives with a level of plausible deniability. Hybrid warfare, with its multifaceted approach, raises significant concerns when applied to regions such as Indian occupied Kashmir. As this military strategy deviously intertwines conventional and unconventional tactics, erasing the distinctions between traditional and nontraditional methods of conflict. In the context of Indian-occupied Kashmir, the detrimental implications of hybrid warfare become particularly pronounced.
One major challenge is the potential for ambiguity and confusion, making it difficult to attribute actions to specific actors. In a region where historical and political complexities already abound, the use of hybrid warfare elements like information manipulation and economic leverage can exacerbate tensions, foster mistrust and escalate conflicts. The lack of clarity in such scenarios can hinder diplomatic efforts and perpetuate a cycle of instability. In the information age, the power of narrative cannot be overstated. Hybrid warfare harnesses the influence of information, utilizing disinformation, cyber attacks and media manipulation to mold perceptions, sow discord and erode the stability of the target. India tried to portray a sense of normality during the third G-20 tourism working group meeting held in Kashmir in 2023.
Despite heightened security measures, the attempt was to convey a sense of regularity in the situation, potentially to project a positive image or downplay any security concerns associated with the region. However, the UN rapporteur Fernand de Varennes, criticized the meeting and denounced India›s choice to hold the third G-20 tourism working group session in Kashmir, characterizing it as an attempt to normalize what has been described as a military occupation. The deliberate targeting of civilian populations through unconventional means, often seen in hybrid warfare, is a grave concern in Kashmir. The use of irregular forces and unconventional tactics can result in increased civilian casualties, human rights violations and challenges to international humanitarian law. This aspect contributes to the negative perception of hybrid warfare, especially when applied in regions with pre-existing sociopolitical complexities.
Economically, the leveraging of economic instruments in hybrid warfare can have far-reaching consequences for Kashmir and the broader Indian economy. Sanctions, trade disruptions and financial instability may impact not only the targeted region but also create spillover effects, affecting the interconnected global economy. The economic implications of hybrid warfare in Kashmir necessitate a careful examination of the broader repercussions beyond the immediate conflict zone. The comprehensive and adaptable nature of hybrid warfare allows state actors to exploit vulnerabilities in various domains simultaneously. In the case of Indian occupied Kashmir, where geopolitical, cultural and religious factors converge, countering hybrid warfare becomes a complex challenge. Prolonged conflicts, exacerbated by the multifaceted nature of hybrid warfare, intensify human suffering, hinder economic development and pose significant challenges to regional and international peace. Legislative Coercion in IoK The Indian authorities› manipulation of legislation, exacerbates the difficulties confronted by the Kashmiri people.
Draconian laws are employed to stifle dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms, creating a legal framework that perpetuates the cycle of oppression. The enforcement of draconian laws, including the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have become a catalyst for widespread human rights violations. Reports of torture, sexual violence and enforced disappearances underscore the grim reality faced by the Kashmiri people. The deliberate erosion of human rights by Indian forces in IoK reflects India›s efforts to suppress dissent within the region, aiming to stifle any opposition or resistance against its presence. This systematic erosion concurrently serves as a tool to project a facade of control and authority over Kashmir. By curbing fundamental rights, India not only silences dissenting voices but also creates a narrative of unchallenged dominance, reinforcing the perception of its firm grip on the region. This dual strategy aligns with the broader objectives of hybrid warfare where the manipulation of both internal dynamics and external perceptions plays a crucial role in consolidating control.
India›s recent manipulations in Jammu and Kashmir›s constitutional and electoral landscape are nothing short of a brazen assault on democratic principles and human rights. By shamelessly altering the constitution to grant non-Kashmiris voting and land ownership rights, the Indian government reveals a sinister agenda aimed at subverting democratic norms. The revision of voter lists, a move clearly designed to skew electoral outcomes, highlights the disdain for fair representation. Adding 2.5 million voters, a third of the existing electorate, exposes a blatant disregard for democratic integrity, as the Indian government maliciously intends to undermine the indigenous population›s role in the political decision-making process through undemocratic means. In a gross violation of international norms, particularly Article 49 of Geneva Convention 4, India›s alteration of domicile laws and the issuance of domiciles to around 4.5 million non- Kashmiri Indians is a stark betrayal of the principles of self-determination. This demographic engineering raises serious questions about the government›s commitment to upholding the rights of the local people and to encourage Hindus to settle in occupied Kashmir on a permanent basis. The redrawing of electoral maps to favor the Hindu- majority Jammu region at the expense of the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley lays bare the government›s blatant bias. This political maneuvering, by the Hindu- nationalist BJP government led by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, is a cynical attempt to consolidate power by reshaping the demographics of the region. The rapid introduction of over 890 Central laws and the repeal of 200 State laws in Jammu and Kashmir since the downgrading of its constitutional status in 2019 is a concerning trajectory. The empowerment of the Lieutenant-Governor with nomination authority raises suspicions of a deliberate move towards centralizing power, a classic hybrid warfare tactic to maintain a façade of democracy while controlling strategic levers. The linguistic changes in the J&K Reservation Act, touted as inclusivity measures, appear more as a superficial attempt to manipulate the narrative. The lack of transparency in the execution of Central laws and the repeal of State laws, ostensibly for modernization, is a glaring concern.
Military Stratagems
The formation and arming of the Village Defense Guards (VDGs) in IoK, comprising 5,000 villagers trained by Indian forces, presents a grave threat to the region›s stability. These militia units, akin to Israeli settlers, are aligned with the Indian occupation forces, suggesting a proxy force that could exacerbate the ongoing turmoil. With about 25,000 individuals armed and organized into defense committees, concerns arise over the potential for these units to be instrumentalized for hybrid warfare, mirroring the Israeli model in Palestine. The deployment of armed Hindu groups raises alarms, astheir involvement in extrajudicial killings and violence against Muslims in Kashmir parallels disturbing patterns observed in other conflict zones. This strategy, likened to Israel›s policies, signifies a concerted effort to alter demographic compositions through forced displacement and settlement, posing a significant threat to the indigenous population›s well-being and further complicating the dynamics of the region. In recent years, the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a surge in militarization, positioning it as the most densely militarized zone on earth. India›s strategic maneuvers, characterized by the deployment of nearly 50,000 additional military and paramilitary personnel in 2019, expose a complex web of hybrid warfare tactics aimed at consolidating control and stifling dissent.
The substantial influx of forces, coupled with the already staggering 700,000 stationed personnel, paints a vivid picture of India›s commitment to fortify its presence in the region. This surge is not merely a conventional military strategy but a cornerstone of hybrid warfare, intertwining military might with political influence and societal control. The abrogation of Kashmir›s nominal autonomy in 2019 marked a pivotal shift in India›s approach. By dismantling the requirement for special certificates, the Indian state unleashed a wave of land seizures, exceeding 54,000 acres. This deliberate strategy enables the construction of permanent structures, solidifying Indian armed forces› encampments and strategically designated areas. The alteration of legal frameworks reflects a hybrid tactic, seamlessly blending legislative changes with territorial expansion.
The extrajudicial killings, illegal detentions and enforced disappearances carried out with impunity by Indian forces underscore a pattern of brazen impunity that has persisted throughout the occupation of Kashmir. These actions perpetrated by the Indian army serve as alarming components of a larger coercive playbook. The relentless suppression of dissent and the blatant disregard for human rights not only sow insecurity among Kashmiris but also contribute to a nefarious strategy aimed at achieving control and dominance. The documented evidence provided by a British law firm to the Metropolitan Police›s War Crimes Unit underscores a disturbing narrative of torture, war crimes and human rights violations in the IoK. The involvement of high- ranking officials, including Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane and Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, in such egregious acts amplifies the gravity of the situation. This deliberate erosion of human rights aligns with hybrid warfare tactics, where internal strife is exploited to manipulate perceptions both domestically and internationally.
The recent incident in December 2023, involving the abduction and subsequent killing of three Kashmiri civilians by the Indian Army in Surankot, Poonch district, further exemplifies the ruthless implementation of hybrid warfare strategies. By filing cases against high-ranking officers only to later transfer them to locations within India, the authorities attempt to shield them from legal consequences, demonstrating a calculated effort to manage and manipulate the narrative. The suspension of a life imprisonment sentence for an officer involved in the extrajudicial killing of civilians in 2020 reflects a consistent pattern of military tribunals protecting their own.
This not only perpetuates a culture of impunity but also serves the broader goals of hybrid warfare by allowing the military to act beyond legal constraints. The use of fake encounters, a sinister tactic employed by the Indian military, serves to camouflage human rights abuses under the guise of counterterrorism. This not only undermines the sanctity of justice but also perpetuates a climate of impunity, shielding the perpetrators from accountability. The siege and search operations further exacerbate the sense of vulnerability among the Kashmiri people, with widespread military presence creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance and intimidation. Adding to the coercive tactics, the Indian military regime has embarked on a campaign of religious and cultural aggression, seeking to reshape the identity and fabric of the occupied territory. This assault on the cultural and religious heritage of Kashmiris amplifies the multifaceted nature of the occupation, extending beyond military repression to encompass a broader strategy of cultural subjugation.
Militarized Infrastructure in IoK
India›s recent plans to further militarize the disputed region of Kashmir warrant a critical examination, considering the potential interplay between non-conventional and anticipated conventional military actions. Firstly, the touted improvements in logistics, exemplified by the USBRL and strategic tunnels, cannot be divorced from the context of military strategy. India›s Cold Start Doctrine, associated with swift and proactive military operations, aligns suspiciously well with the enhanced deployment capabilities facilitated by these infrastructural developments.
The militarization of critical infrastructure is bolstering India›s military presence, disrupting the equilibrium in the region. The strategic positioning of these projects warrants a critical assessment of their contribution to the broader militarization of Kashmir. The shortened travel times and provision of all-weather connectivity could significantly enhance India›s military capabilities and responsiveness in the contested territory. A critical examination of India›s militarization of infrastructural initiatives in Kashmir requires a probing analysis. The alignment with military doctrines, the strategic positioning of projects and the potential impact on regional dynamics demand scrutiny of India›s skeptical motives and the broader implications for security in the region.
Cyber Threats in IoK
Recently, Amnesty International has vehemently condemned the alarming targeting of high profile Indian journalists with Pegasus spyware, highlighting the egregious violation of press freedom and journalists› safety in India. This act of deploying unlawful surveillance, a form of hybrid warfare, intensifies existing tools of repression, including draconian laws, imprisonment, smear campaigns, harassment and intimidation. The pervasive use of such tactics poses a serious threat to the democratic fabric and freedom of expression in the country.
The recent revelation of a massive data breach, involving the exposure of personally identifiable information of 815 million Indians, underscores the profound vulnerabilities in data security. The compromised details, including Aadhaar Card numbers, passport information, names, phone numbers and addresses, being available for sale on the dark web is a severe violation of privacy and raises critical concerns about the protection of sensitive personal data. The potential compromise of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) database, as suggested by some media reports, intensifies the gravity of the situation, especially considering the extensive scope and sensitivity of the exposed information.
This breach not only poses a direct threat to the affected individuals but also highlights the broader challenges in safeguarding sensitive data in the digital age. The willingness of the hacker to sell the entire Aadhaar and Indian passport dataset for a mere $80,000 underscores the lucrative nature of such illicit activities, further emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures. This is not the first time such a breach has occurred, as evidenced by the Aadhaar data breach in March 2018, which exposed vulnerabilities within India›s biometric ID system, exposing 1.1 billion card details due to an unsecured API. In IoK, where geopolitical tensions and security concerns already prevail, the issuance of Aadhaar cards in the region becomes an even more precarious undertaking. The potential for exploitation of such sensitive information in a conflict-ridden area poses significant risks to the safety and security of the locals.
Media Subversion
Four years after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir›s special status, the Indian authorities are persistently shaping a facade of normalcy, often at the expense of fundamental rights and accountability. In May 2023, India deliberately selected the disputed territory as the venue for a G20 meeting, tightly securing the area to project an illusion of «normalcy and peace» following the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir›s autonomy. This move formed part of an information warfare strategy, intending to construct a narrative that concealed the harsh realities on the ground. Despite the region remaining under strict control with an extended lockdown, the orchestrated G20 meeting sought to propagate a misleading narrative of stability.
Beneath the surface of apparent peace, there persisted a forceful suppression of dissent, constraints on media freedom and severe limitations on public protests. The deliberate shaping of this narrative raised serious questions about the genuineness of the proclaimed «return to normalcy,» exposing a strategic use of information warfare to mask the broader erosion of fundamental freedoms of Kashmiris in the region. A crucial tool in this information warfare arsenal is the frequent shutdown of the internet, positioning India as a global leader in using this suppressive tactic. Kashmir, in particular, is a testing ground for assessing the effectiveness of internet shutdowns in suppressing protests and controlling the flow of information to spread intentional misinformation. A significant part of this strategy also involves targeting journalists in IoK, using security force interventions, raids and arbitrary arrests on terrorism charges. These actions contribute to a systematic erosion of freedom of expression.
In a blatant display of information warfare, India›s clampdown on media in Kashmir reveals Indian government’s effort to control the narrative and present a distorted version of reality. The suppression of local media serves a dual purpose for the Indian authorities– projecting an illusion of normalcy while hindering the exposure of their narrative and the dissemination of genuine information. Firstly, the systematic silencing of critical voices within Kashmiri media dismantles the region›s ability to present an alternative perspective. By restricting independent journalism, India aims to stifle dissenting opinions that challenge the official narrative. The intimidation tactics, including police raids, threats and arrests on terrorism charges, create an environment of fear, pushing journalists to conform or face severe consequences. Since the August 2019, more than 40 journalists in Kashmir have endured a spectrum of oppressive measures, including police interrogations, physical assaults and the imposition of fabricated criminal cases.
The government›s audacious introduction of a new media policy in June 2020 provided authorities with enhanced tools to tighten their grip on the narrative, further constricting the semblance of press freedom. The experiences of journalists like Fahad Shah, Aasif Sultan and Sajad Gul epitomize the ruthless execution of this information warfare tactic. Despite temporary releases, they faced swift rearrests, with draconian measures like the Public Safety Act wielded to suppress journalistic freedom. This pattern of intimidation and retribution underscores a concerning state of press
freedom in IoK.
Secondly, the shutdowns and restrictions on local media outlets serve as a strategic move to control the flow of information. By limiting access to genuine reporting, the Indian authorities attempt to curate a narrative that downplays the harsh realities on the ground. The erasure of critical articles from websites further exemplifies the deliberate manipulation of information to fit a sanitized version of events. The imposition of travel bans, no-fly lists and the closure of the Kashmir Press Club demonstrate a comprehensive effort to isolate the region from international scrutiny.
By preventing journalists from traveling or reporting independently, India aims to create an information vacuum, leaving the field open for the propagation of its narrative without credible challenges. The denial of deteriorating press freedom in Kashmir by New Delhi is a concerning aspect of this information warfare strategy. India›s global press freedom rankings have plummeted, yet the authorities persist in portraying an image of normalcy. This not only deceives the international community but also serves as a tool to maintain internal control by curbing any potential out cryor opposition.
Cinematic Assault in IoK
Since 2014, a troubling trend has marred the landscape of the Indian film industry, with releases like the Kerala Story,72 Hoorain and the Kashmir Files etc. These films, ostensibly created for entertainment, betray a more insidious motive — to idolize the current regime and more alarmingly, dehumanize the Muslim community. The creation of a new genre within Indian cinema serves as a conduit for perpetuating structural and physical violence, glorifying and promoting narratives that deepen societal fault lines. The Kashmir Files takes the manipulation to new heights by explicitly pushing the narrative that Kashmiri Muslims are synonymous with terrorists. Going beyond misrepresentation, the film actively demonizes Muslim children and youth, contributing to a dangerous narrative that fosters prejudice and hostility. In an already polarized and radicalized Hindu society, these portrayals have far-reaching consequences, paving the way for discrimination and potential violence against the Muslim community in India.
This cinematic warfare isn›t just a continuation of Bollywood›s historical misrepresentations; it›s a deliberate stride toward solely dehumanizing and desensitizing the most marginalized community, the Muslims. This cinematic assault on the perception of Kashmiri Muslims is not merely an artistic misstep but a calculated act of information warfare. Leveraging the influential platform of Bollywood, these films contribute to constructing a distorted narrative that fuels societal divisions. The consequences extend beyond the screen, infiltrating the collective consciousness and fostering an environment conducive to discrimination and, alarmingly, even genocide.
Economic Coercion in IoK
India›s hybrid warfare tactics in IoK unfold a sinister strategy, employing economic coercion as a weapon to subjugate and control the Kashmiri people. The deliberate and systematic measures undertaken by the Indian government paint a grim picture of exploitation, perpetuating suffering and instability in the region. The enforcement of property tax in Jammu and Kashmir, instituted through the J&K Reorganization (Adaption of State Laws) order, 2020, has been implemented under the purview of the Jammu and Kashmir Property Tax Act 2000. This legislative adaptation involved amendments to the Municipal Act and Corporation Act, effectively granting the administration the authority to levy property taxes.
The impact of this legal transformation became effective on April 2023 ,1. While apparently framed as a fiscal measure, the implications of this move extend beyond mere taxation. The broad scope of property tax, covering all lands and buildings within municipal limits, places an additional financial burden on the residents. The prescribed deadlines for tax submission, with penalties for non-compliance, add further strain to an already economically challenged people. The consequences for non-compliance with these tax obligations include a penalty of Rs 100 or onepercent, with a maximum penalty cap set at Rs 1,000.
This legislative shift significantly impacts the financial responsibilities of the residents, adding an additional economic burden and potentially exacerbating existing socio-economic challenges. One notable aspect of concern is the absence of public scrutiny and the exclusion of elected representatives in the decision-making process surrounding these tax reforms. This bureaucratic approach to governance raises questions about transparency, accountability and the democratic principles that should guide impactful policy changes.
One of the primary facets of this economic coercion is the seizure of critical industries and resources. By taking control of J&K›s industries, including its agricultural and mineral wealth, India not only cripples economic growth but also establishes a stranglehold over the region›s economic autonomy. The deliberate obstruction of lucrative exports, such as apples and dry fruits, serves as a malevolent tool to undermine the economic prosperity of the locals.
Financial measures, characterized by freezing bank accounts and pressuring local banks to deny loans based on suspicion of anti-India activities, exemplify a calculated effort to muzzle dissent. This not only stifles individual economic activities but also creates an atmosphere of fear and financial precarity, fostering a breeding ground for social unrest. The economic strangulation policies manifest in soaring poverty and unemployment rates, exacerbating social and economic disparities and deepening the region›s vulnerability. The intentional diversion of resources away from critical sectors like healthcare and education is a blatant disregard for the well-being and future prospects of the Kashmiri people.
As economic opportunities dwindle, the region faces a crisis in essential public services, contributing to a decline in living standards. This deliberate neglect serves the overarching strategy of hybrid warfare, using economic tools to manipulate and control the narrative, further fueling discontent and potential instability. India›s economic coercion goes beyond mere policy decisions; it represents a systematic assault on the socio-economic fabric of IIOJK. The devastating impact on the locals is evident in the high poverty rates, rampant unemployment and the alarming toll on mental health. The curfew and communications blackout imposed in 2019 left Kashmiris isolated and helpless, a deliberate tactic to break their spirit and resistance.
The economic strangulation policies not only create a vulnerable and dependent populace but also pave the way for India to reshape the socio-economic landscape to align with its interests. This deliberate destabilization serves as a means to suppress dissent, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and control in IIOJK. As the Kashmiri people grapple with the dire consequences of India›s economic coercion, the world must recognize and condemn this insidious hybrid warfare strategy that leaves a trail of suffering and injustice in its wake.
Conclusion
The unchecked rise of majoritarianism in India, coupled with the BJP›s ascent to power in 2014 and its subsequent re-election in 2019, has birthed a casteist, racist, Islamophobic, and heteronormative government. The calculated weaponization of religion and politics to incite the Hindu majority has painted Kashmiri Muslims as adversaries of India, effectively quashing any genuine reflection on the root causes of the conflict. In recent years, has deployed extreme laws and policies in Kashmir, transcending conventional boundaries and adopting a calculated fusion of militarization, legal maneuvers, and egregious human rights violations.
The repercussions of these actions extend far beyond the annulment of Article 370 and Article 35-A, marking a turning point in the lives of Kashmiris. the Modi-led BJP government’s hybrid warfare tactics in Kashmir reveal a calculated and sinister strategy that transcends conventional norms. Indian occupation forces, bolstered in numbers, imposed curfews and intensified cyber surveillance, effectively subjecting the populace to governance without consent.
The removal of legal barriers facilitated the influx of non-Kashmiris, threatening to reshape the demographic landscape and render the Muslim majority a minority. This demographic recalibration poses a direct affront to the principles of self-determination, a vulnerability readily exploited in the realm of hybrid warfare. The sanctioned formation of village defense groups, armed Hindu militias, further muddied the waters, exacerbating the hybrid warfare landscape with baseless claims of increased terror threats. The protracted political violence in Kashmir, where Muslims constitute the majority, serves as a stark reminder of the escalating human rights crisis. Enforced disappearances, gendered and sexualized violence, displacement, torture, and extrajudicial executions are the bitter fruits borne by the Kashmiri population. Impunity laws, including the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the J&K Disturbed Areas Act, provide a shield of immunity for state forces personnel, perpetuating a cycle of violence indicative of hybrid warfare tactics.
Related Research Papers
