Indian atrocities in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir know no bounds, as over the years pattern of governance in the occupied territory has reflected an alarming expansion of coercive measures aimed at suppressing and marginalising the Muslim population.
The latest move by the occupying forces to take over at least 58 schools linked to Jamat-i-Islami and its Falah-i-Aam Trust has further intensified these concerns. Indeed it is part of a broader strategy to dismantle institutions associated with the region’s socio-religious fabric. This is not an isolated development. Since the ban on Jamat-i-Islami in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, there has been a sustained crackdown on individuals and institutions linked directly or indirectly to the organisation. Raids, arrests and property seizures have followed, carried out by agencies such as the National Investigation Agency. The takeover of schools appears to be an extension of this campaign, now reaching deeper into social and educational life of the region. Equally troubling is the broader pattern that has unfolded in recent years. Reports of mosque closures and restrictions on congregational prayers have added to the sense of alienation among the Muslim population. At the same time, incidents of violence and heavy-handed security responses continue to surface, contributing to an environment of fear and uncertainty. Another disturbing trend is the spread of cow vigilantism, an issue that has plagued other parts of India. Taken together, these measures paint a picture of a population facing multifaceted pressures on political, religious, cultural and social fronts.
Yet, despite these challenges, the resolve of Kashmiri people remains unbroken. History has shown that suppression cannot extinguish deeply rooted political aspirations. Instead, it often reinforces them. This is why Jammu and Kashmir dispute cannot be sidelined. The international community, which has long acknowledged the need for a just resolution, carries a responsibility to re-engage with urgency and seriousness. Silence or inaction only risks exacerbating tensions further. For South Asia, lasting peace and stability are closely tied to the resolution of this dispute. Without meaningful progress, the potential for escalation remains ever-present, with consequences that could extend far beyond the immediate geography. The people of Kashmir deserve a future where education is not politicised, religious freedoms are upheld and their voices are genuinely heard. Achieving that will require renewed commitment from global community to ensure that promises made with the Kashmiri people are fulfilled at the earliest .
