A prominent Indian news website has revealed that the political, social, and democratic situation in the occupied valley has severely deteriorated since the revocation of Kashmir’s special status (Article 370) in August 2019. An analytical report published by the news site ‘The Wire’ discloses that the governance in Kashmir is currently dominated by bureaucracy, and the populace has been stripped of the freedom to express dissent.
🚨 ‘New Normal’ of Repression
🗣️ Criminalizing Dissent
The report highlights serious concerns, stating that expressing an opinion is now being criminalized in Kashmir, and the public role of Kashmiris has been drastically curtailed. Furthermore, punitive actions against Kashmiris have become the unfortunate ‘new normal’ of governance in the region.
🏠 Collective Punishment
According to ‘The Wire,’ Kashmiris are currently being subjected to collective punishment, where they face suspicion for crimes with which they have no association. The report paints a grim picture, asserting that while achieving peace in Kashmir is difficult, death and despair have become certain.
🕊️ Call for Policy Change
To address this dire human and political situation, the report urgently demands immediate policy changes from the administration:
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The practice of collective punishment must cease.
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Space must be created for young and alternative political voices.
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Policies such as the demolition of homes used as a form of collective punishment must be abolished.
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New channels for social and political dialogue must be established.
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Restrictions and penalties on innocent individuals should be exceptionally lifted.
