BJP accused of using Indian forces to suppress Kashmiri dissent

Srinagar, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is reportedly utilizing its military and intelligence agencies as instruments of its Hindutva ideology to suppress dissent in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as per accusations from local leaders and activists.

According to Kashmir Media Service, these forces, including the Indian army, Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force, and the Special Operation Group, along with agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Investigation Agency (SIA), are conducting daily operations that reportedly involve raids and harassment of local residents. This campaign is aimed at intimidating those who oppose the Hindutva RSS/BJP ideology.

Local judiciary is also being used to suppress the Kashmiri freedom movement, with numerous individuals booked under stringent laws for their roles in the self-determination struggle. Despite these severe measures, the resolve among Kashmiris to continue their fight for independence reportedly remains strong.

Adv Abdul Rashid Minhas, a spokesman for the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, highlighted in a statement that the Indian government’s tactics have intensified since August 5, 2019, significantly affecting the daily lives of the Kashmiri people. He called on the international community to recognize the plight of Kashmiris and the potential threats to regional and global peace posed by India’s militarized policy in the area.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has also appealed to the United Nations to intervene and compel India to resolve the Kashmir dispute promptly, citing the struggle’s alignment with the principles of the UN Charter.