FROM BULLETS TO CARBON FOOTPRINTS THE ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE KASHMIR DISPUTE

The challenges and threats of global climate change are well known. The shifts in the ecological patterns of the IOJK are an emerging trend in the international environment security paradigm, that has serious implications for maintaining environmental security in IOJK. Kashmir Conflict, “a regional conflict with global implications,” has been a significant issue, with the Indian Army’s large-scale presence in IOJK deteriorating the ecology. The environmental cost of the decades-long, protracted conflict, reflects the inhuman use of heavy weapons (also accused of utilizing chemical weapons) by the Indian Army against the occupied, innocent Kashmiris and freedom fighters.

Fatima Waheed

The Indian Army and CRPF engage in artillery attacks against innocent Kashmiris in the name of counter-terrorism operations, using various weapons such as Kalashnikov, Bulgarian AR-M1, Mpi KMS-72, Md.90, Md.63 Fixed Stock AKs, Russian AKMS, and captured Type 56 Assault Rifles. Other weapons used include indigenous INSAS, 1B BREN LMG’S, Tavor rifles, Pika General Purpose Machine Guns, M4A1, Galil SAR Carbines, MAG 2A1, MP-5, MP-9, Uzi Submachine Guns, C-90, Shmel Thermobaric Rocket launcher, AGS-30, X-95 Carbine, Multiple Grenade Launcher 40mm, and Sniper Rifles like SVD Dragunov, Galatz and Ishapore.

Use Of Guns By The Indian Army In IOJK

The destruction caused by these weapons following the opening fires by the Indian Army in IOJK is so immense that it not only kills innocent Kashmiris but also causes massive infrastructure and property destruction. The 1990 Handwara and Cheenichowk Fire, the 1993 Lal-chowk and Sopore Fire, and the 2001 Palhallan Fire cannot be forgotten as they marked the horrid events of mass destruction of civilian properties in IOJK in the early 1990s. These intentional, damage-inflicting activities by the Indian Army have rendered thousands of Kashmiris homeless and deteriorated the climate patterns of the region as well.

Over the years, the frequent use of guns by the Indian army in IOJK has posed a more significant environmental crisis that looms over the region. Most of these weapons are used for illumination and smoke screening purposes to target innocent Kashmiris. These weapons release harmful carbon monoxide pollutants, including copper, lead, carbonaceous material (e.g. soot), and other metals, causing harm to human health and the environment.

In the last two decades, the Indian authorities have converted Kashmir’s green landscape into a military garrison. In the IOJK, forests have already been harmed following decades of conflict, political unrest, and a weakened administration. The Indian army is clearing forests to create hideouts followed by the intentional setting of forest fires to clear land to target innocent Kashmiris, in the name of counter-terrorism operations.

Six Lakh Of The Poplar Trees

Deforestation amid illegal construction, and timber smuggling has severely degraded the Kashmir valley’s forests. Pahalgam; a disputed region of J&K is home to coniferous forests that hold the most unique and beautiful species of the world including, Himalayan marmots, the orange-breasted Kashmir flycatcher bird, and the Kashmir stag. The construction of resorts and hotels in Pahalgam is encroaching on forests and putting pressure on wildlife. Unfortunately, this unlawful activity occurred without much resistance as the Indian authorities in IOJK were primarily concerned with the so-called security prospects.

India’s longstanding habit of pursuing its own military and strategic interests by peddling falsehoods has now facilitated its unlawful activities of deteriorating the climate of IOJK. To justify the illegal construction and timber smuggling, the high court carried out a ruthless order to cut down Russian poplar trees, as a result, six lakh of the poplar trees were cut down across the Valley. Nevertheless, the objective behind this action was constructed due to the high yield of poplars and their intensive use in the timber and construction industry, they were projected “as a threat to human survival.”

Military Weapons Have Become A Climate Killer

In this era of increasing climate crises, “military weapons have become a climate killer,” generating around 6% of global CO2 emissions. Emissions from military equipment cause considerable environmental harm around the globe, the amount released varies on the duration of the conflict as well as the types of artillery used. In the context of the Kashmir conflict, The Indian Army’s use of heavy weapons in IOJK contributes to global climate change, incinerating the ecology of the region and increasing carbon footprints. The Indian military’s consumption of fossil fuels contributes to global warming while targeted bombings directly harm wildlife and biodiversity. Pollution which comes as a result of these attacks contaminates bodies of water, soil, and air, making areas unsafe for Kashmiris to inhabit.

Siachen Glacier Rapidly De-icing

Siachen Glacier, the largest glacier outside the polar regions and the biggest source of fresh water in South Asia is rapidly de-icing, posing a significant risk to climate change. The glacier’s retreat is estimated to be 110 meters per year. Reports also indicate that a sizable lake has developed in the center of the Siachen Glacier, which the Indian army is now occupying. India deliberately claims that global warming is the main cause of the glacier retreat, but it is covering up the catastrophic environmental crime being committed by its army in the form of military activity, infrastructure development following the cutting of glacial ice, and huge explosive storage on the eastern side of the Saltoro Ridge.

The Siachen Glaciers serve as the lifeline for the millions of people whose food security is dependent on Himalayan waters. Therefore, their deterioration would be detrimental to both food safety and global environmental efforts.

Maximizing Military Might To Sustain Unlawful Occupation Over J&K

India is maximizing military might to sustain unlawful occupation over J&K. MORE ARMS MEANS MORE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT. India dedicates huge budgets, investments, and human capital, to weapons production which in turn drains the resources that are required to address global climate change and achieve the SDGs. Prioritizing forestalling the climate crisis in the IOJK is crucial. However, it is for the United Nations to intensely watch and scrutinize the Indian army activities in the IOJK so that at least the environmental cost of the conflict can be preserved, if NOT the human and material cost.

The writer is a student of Peace and conflict Studies at the National Defense University, Islamabad, and is currently serving as an intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations.

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