AMONGST the more sinister components of the Indian government’s move to rescind Kashmiri autonomy last year was the green light given to Indians to buy land in the disputed region. Kashmiris fear this will allow non-locals to flood the held region and transform the demographic profile of the area, in effect creating ‘facts on the ground’, much as illegal Israeli settlers have done in the occupied territories. There was a widespread shutdown in IHK on Saturday to protest the new land laws, which have recently taken effect, with businesses closed as a mark of protest. Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had given the strike call to protest India’s “policy of permanent demographic change” in the occupied region.

While doing away with held Kashmir’s flag and constitution were blatant moves by India to smother Kashmiris’ desire for freedom and a just solution to the decades-old conflict, letting outsiders buy land in the occupied region hits the area’s people particularly hard. It allows those from outside the region with deep pockets to buy Kashmiris’ homes and businesses, in effect paving the way for locals to one day be converted into a minority in their own land. While pro-freedom Kashmiris have resolutely denounced these moves, even some of New Delhi’s closest allies in the occupied region have distanced themselves from India’s colonial actions designed to dilute the Kashmiri identity. Allowing non-locals to buy land is a recipe for disaster and will damage the demographic character of IHK beyond repair. Instead of resorting to controversial moves such as these, the BJP-led government must listen to the voices coming out of held Kashmir, demanding dignity and protection of their fundamental rights. Kashmiris are the masters of their land and destiny and no legal subterfuge can change that. Better sense should prevail and India should do away with the new land laws, or else a new wave of resentment is likely in IHK — one that will be difficult for India to suppress.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2020