KASHMIR INSTITUTE OF

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
January 2024

INDIA’S
HYBRID
WARFARE
IN KASHMIR
W W W. K I I R . O R G . P K

WRITTEN BY
Mehr un Nisa

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KASHMIR INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
 Abstract
In the orchestrated strategy of hybrid warfare conducted by the Modi-led BJP government in Kashmir, radical laws
and policies serve as tools to advance colonial agendas, persistently aiming to fulfill the longstanding commitment
of unifying India into a Hindu nationalist state.

The Indian state portrays itself as self-proclaimed guardians of the national territory, concurrently characterizing
Kashmiris as intruders on their ancestral land. The nullification of Kashmir›s partial autonomy in August 2019, through
the annulment of Article 370 and Article 35-A, unfurled a series of draconian measures, exemplifying a calculated
fusion of militarization, legal maneuvering, and blatant human rights violations that transcend conventional norms
of conflict. The BJP›s pursuit of forms of coloniality in Kashmir, cloaked in the guise of unifying Akhand Bharat, has
plunged the region into a perpetual state of emergency. Kashmiris find themselves in collective internment, stripped
of fundamental rights, suffocating under unrelenting lockdowns, and besieged by militaristic and legal hostility.

Keywords: BJP, India, Kashmir, Hybrid Warfare, Akhand Bharat

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Table of Contents

Introduction...............................................................................4

Hybrid Warfare.......................................................................... 5

Legislative Coercion................................................................. 6

Military Stratagems.................................................................. 6

Militarized Infrastructure..........................................................7

Cyber Threats ............................................................................8

Media Subversion .....................................................................8

Cinematic Assault......................................................................9

Economic Coercion..................................................................10

Conclusion...............................................................................11

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 INTRODUCTION Over four years later, Kashmiri Muslims harbor
The Kashmir question, often dubbed the ‹mother of all deep resentment toward New Delhi, exacerbated by
questions’, has been the subject of ongoing debates for subsequent legislative and administrative changes
the past 75 years, all in pursuit of a peaceful resolution. hinting at demographic engineering. The ability for
The struggle for self-determination by the people of non-Kashmiris to acquire land, residency rights and
Jammu and Kashmir traces back to the partition of the government jobs, coupled with the removal of Kashmiri
Indian Subcontinent, where the signing of the «Letter of Muslims from key positions, signals a profound
Instrument of Accession to India» by Maharaja Hari Singh transformation in the region’s socio-political landscape.
remains a contentious issue. This alteration of the region’s demographic makeup
became a rallying point for various hybrid warfare actors,
The annulment of Articles 35(A) and 370 added who sought to exploit identity struggles and capitalize
complexity to the Kashmir dispute, plunging the region on the fears of Kashmiris regarding their cultural and
into perpetual turmoil. This move not only altered the political future.
independent status of Jammu and Kashmir but also
exacerbated demographic disparities, particularly Promises of regional elections raise concerns about the
impacting the Muslimmajority regions under Indian potential manipulation of constituencies to favor the
control. Despite numerous discussions and dialogues Hindu-majority Jammu region over the predominantly
over the past seventy-five years, the conflict persists Muslim Kashmir valley. In the evolving federal system, an
due to India’s unyielding strategy, an uncompromising elected assembly in a Union Territory would wield limited
approach and a lack of trust between the two neighboring influence, with executive powers firmly controlled by
nations. New Delhi. The absence of legitimate political channels
intensified the recruitment efforts of these groups,
The decision to alter Jammu and Kashmir’s status had contributing to the hybrid warfare landscape.
long been part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP)
agenda, culminating in the 2019 actions that went In a strong rebuke on December 26, 2023, Congress
beyond scrapping its unique status. The statehood was President Mallikarjun Kharge unequivocally condemned
also rescinded, creating two Union Territories under direct the Modi government, asserting that it has spared no
federal control. Detaining the entire Kashmiri political effort in betraying the people of the occupied territory.
class further aggravated the situation, extinguishing the Kharge’s condemnation reflects a poignant critique
prospects of an elected regional government. of the government’s actions, highlighting the depth of
betrayal felt by the people in the region.
The plight of the Kashmiri population in the occupied
territory is deeply concerning, with health experts The Modi administration has hinted at restoring Jammu
revealing a stark rise in mental health issues since and Kashmir’s statehood to grant more meaningful
August 5, 2019. According to studies, a staggering 45% political representation. However, actions have yet to
of Kashmir’s adult population is grappling with various materialize, leaving Kashmiris in a state of uncertainty.
forms of mental distress. The prolonged presence of The standoff between New Delhi’s centralizing policies
Indian troops, coupled with mass arrests and custodial and the aspirations for regional autonomy remains
disappearances, has created an environment of trauma a critical challenge. Hybrid actors capitalized on the
and anxiety in IIOJK. The Kashmiri people endure the narrative vacuum, disseminating propaganda to shape
emotional turmoil of living without their loved ones, many perceptions both locally and internationally.
of whom have been either martyred, imprisoned, or The recent substantial deployment of Indian forces in
subjected to custodial disappearances by Indian forces. Rajouri and Poonch on December 27, 2023, ahead of
Notably, a significant portion of pellet victims in Kashmir Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit, along with
is now plagued by depressive and panic disorders, the ongoing suspension of mobile internet services for
underscoring the severe toll on the mental well-being of the fifth consecutive day, exacerbates the challenges
the Kashmiri people. faced by Kashmiris. This not only disrupts their daily

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lives but also hampers businesses, communication and overstated. Hybrid warfare harnesses the influence of
essential services, intensifying the hardships endured information, utilizing disinformation, cyber attacks and
by the people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and media manipulation to mold perceptions, sow discord
Kashmir. and erode the stability of the target. India tried to portray
a sense of normality during the third G-20 tourism
The Kashmir dispute calls for a systematic resolution
working group meeting held in Kashmir in 2023.
in line with UN Security Council resolutions to prevent
further escalation. The conflict’s protraction emphasizes Despite heightened security measures, the attempt
the urgent need for international intervention to facilitate was to convey a sense of regularity in the situation,
a comprehensive and lasting solution. The international potentially to project a positive image or downplay any
community must play a pivotal role in urging both India security concerns associated with the region. However,
and Pakistan to engage in sincere dialogue, fostering the UN rapporteur Fernand de Varennes, criticized the
an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. A resolution meeting and denounced India’s choice to hold the
aligned with UN resolutions is crucial not only for the third G-20 tourism working group session in Kashmir,
stability of the South Asian region but also for the well- characterizing it as an attempt to normalize what has
being and self-determination of the people of Kashmir. been described as a military occupation.

HYBRID WARFARE The deliberate targeting of civilian populations through

At its core, hybrid warfare leverages conventional military unconventional means, often seen in hybrid warfare, is a
operations, deploying troops, conducting air strikes and grave concern in Kashmir. The use of irregular forces and
orchestrating naval actions. However, what sets it apart unconventional tactics can result in increased civilian
is the seamless integration of non-traditional methods casualties, human rights violations and challenges to
that amplify its effectiveness. Unconventional tactics, international humanitarian law. This aspect contributes
including irregular forces, proxy groups and paramilitary to the negative perception of hybrid warfare, especially
organizations, add a layer of complexity, allowing when applied in regions with pre-existing sociopolitical
aggressors to achieve military objectives with a level of complexities.
plausible deniability.
Economically, the leveraging of economic instruments
Hybrid warfare, with its multifaceted approach, raises in hybrid warfare can have far-reaching consequences
significant concerns when applied to regions such for Kashmir and the broader Indian economy. Sanctions,
as Indian occupied Kashmir. As this military strategy trade disruptions and financial instability may impact
deviously intertwines conventional and unconventional not only the targeted region but also create spillover
tactics, erasing the distinctions between traditional effects, affecting the interconnected global economy.
and nontraditional methods of conflict. In the context of The economic implications of hybrid warfare in Kashmir
Indian-occupied Kashmir, the detrimental implications of necessitate a careful examination of the broader
hybrid warfare become particularly pronounced. repercussions beyond the immediate conflict zone.

One major challenge is the potential for ambiguity and The comprehensive and adaptable nature of hybrid
confusion, making it difficult to attribute actions to warfare allows state actors to exploit vulnerabilities in
specific actors. In a region where historical and political various domains simultaneously. In the case of Indian
complexities already abound, the use of hybrid warfare occupied Kashmir, where geopolitical, cultural and
elements like information manipulation and economic religious factors converge, countering hybrid warfare
leverage can exacerbate tensions, foster mistrust and becomes a complex challenge. Prolonged conflicts,
escalate conflicts. The lack of clarity in such scenarios exacerbated by the multifaceted nature of hybrid
can hinder diplomatic efforts and perpetuate a cycle of warfare, intensify human suffering, hinder economic
instability. development and pose significant challenges to regional
and international peace.
In the information age, the power of narrative cannot be

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 LEGISLATIVE COERCION IN IOK government’s commitment to upholding the rights of
The Indian authorities’ manipulation of legislation the local people and to encourage Hindus to settle in
exacerbates the difficulties confronted by the Kashmiri occupied Kashmir on a permanent basis.
people. Draconian laws are employed to stifle dissent The redrawing of electoral maps to favor the Hindu-
and curtail fundamental freedoms, creating a legal majority Jammu region at the expense of the Muslim-
framework that perpetuates the cycle of oppression. majority Kashmir valley lays bare the government’s
The enforcement of draconian laws, including the Public blatant bias. This political maneuvering, by the Hindu-
Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act nationalist BJP government led by Prime Minister
(UAPA), have become a catalyst for widespread human Narendra Modi, is a cynical attempt to consolidate power
rights violations. Reports of torture, sexual violence by reshaping the demographics of the region.
and enforced disappearances underscore the grim
The rapid introduction of over 890 Central laws and the
reality faced by the Kashmiri people. The deliberate
repeal of 200 State laws in Jammu and Kashmir since
erosion of human rights by Indian forces in IoK reflects
the downgrading of its constitutional status in 2019
India’s efforts to suppress dissent within the region,
is a concerning trajectory. The empowerment of the
aiming to stifle any opposition or resistance against its
Lieutenant-Governor with nomination authority raises
presence. This systematic erosion concurrently serves
suspicions of a deliberate move towards centralizing
as a tool to project a facade of control and authority over
power, a classic hybrid warfare tactic to maintain
Kashmir. By curbing fundamental rights, India not only
a façade of democracy while controlling strategic
silences dissenting voices but also creates a narrative
levers. The linguistic changes in the J&K Reservation
of unchallenged dominance, reinforcing the perception
Act, touted as inclusivity measures, appear more as a
of its firm grip on the region. This dual strategy aligns
superficial attempt to manipulate the narrative. The lack
with the broader objectives of hybrid warfare where the
of transparency in the execution of Central laws and the
manipulation of both internal dynamics and external
repeal of State laws, ostensibly for modernization, is a
perceptions plays a crucial role in consolidating control.
glaring concern.
India’s recent manipulations in Jammu and Kashmir’s
constitutional and electoral landscape are nothing short MILITARY STRATAGEMS
of a brazen assault on democratic principles and human The formation and arming of the Village Defense Guards
rights. By shamelessly altering the constitution to grant (VDGs) in IoK, comprising 5,000 villagers trained by
non-Kashmiris voting and land ownership rights, the Indian forces, presents a grave threat to the region’s
Indian government reveals a sinister agenda aimed at stability. These militia units, akin to Israeli settlers, are
subverting democratic norms. aligned with the Indian occupation forces, suggesting a
proxy force that could exacerbate the ongoing turmoil.
The revision of voter lists, a move clearly designed to With about 25,000 individuals armed and organized
skew electoral outcomes, highlights the disdain for into defense committees, concerns arise over the
fair representation. Adding 2.5 million voters, a third potential for these units to be instrumentalized for hybrid
of the existing electorate, exposes a blatant disregard warfare, mirroring the Israeli model in Palestine. The
for democratic integrity, as the Indian government deployment of armed Hindu groups raises alarms, as
maliciously intends to undermine the indigenous their involvement in extrajudicial killings and violence
population’s role in the political decision-making process against Muslims in Kashmir parallels disturbing
through undemocratic means. patterns observed in other conflict zones. This strategy,
In a gross violation of international norms, particularly likened to Israel’s policies, signifies a concerted effort
Article 49 of Geneva Convention 4, India’s alteration of to alter demographic compositions through forced
domicile laws and the issuance of domiciles to around displacement and settlement, posing a significant threat
4.5 million non- Kashmiri Indians is a stark betrayal of to the indigenous population’s well-being and further
the principles of self-determination. This demographic complicating the dynamics of the region.
engineering raises serious questions about the

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In recent years, the disputed region of Jammu and The recent incident in December 2023, involving the
Kashmir has witnessed a surge in militarization, abduction and subsequent killing of three Kashmiri
positioning it as the most densely militarized zone on civilians by the Indian Army in Surankot, Poonch district,
earth. India’s strategic maneuvers, characterized by further exemplifies the ruthless implementation of hybrid
the deployment of nearly 50,000 additional military and warfare strategies. By filing cases against high-ranking
paramilitary personnel in 2019, expose a complex web officers only to later transfer them to locations within
of hybrid warfare tactics aimed at consolidating control India, the authorities attempt to shield them from legal
and stifling dissent. consequences, demonstrating a calculated effort to
manage and manipulate the narrative.
The substantial influx of forces, coupled with the already
staggering 700,000 stationed personnel, paints a vivid The suspension of a life imprisonment sentence for an
picture of India’s commitment to fortify its presence officer involved in the extrajudicial killing of civilians in
in the region. This surge is not merely a conventional 2020 reflects a consistent pattern of military tribunals
military strategy but a cornerstone of hybrid warfare, protecting their own. This not only perpetuates a culture
intertwining military might with political influence and of impunity but also serves the broader goals of hybrid
societal control. warfare by allowing the military to act beyond legal
The abrogation of Kashmir’s nominal autonomy in 2019 constraints.
marked a pivotal shift in India’s approach. By dismantling
The use of fake encounters, a sinister tactic employed by
the requirement for special certificates, the Indian state
the Indian military, serves to camouflage human rights
unleashed a wave of land seizures, exceeding 54,000
abuses under the guise of counterterrorism. This not only
acres. This deliberate strategy enables the construction
undermines the sanctity of justice but also perpetuates
of permanent structures, solidifying Indian armed forces’
a climate of impunity, shielding the perpetrators from
encampments and strategically designated areas. The
accountability. The siege and search operations further
alteration of legal frameworks reflects a hybrid tactic,
exacerbate the sense of vulnerability among the Kashmiri
seamlessly blending legislative changes with territorial
people, with widespread military presence creating an
expansion.
atmosphere of constant surveillance and intimidation.
The extrajudicial killings, illegal detentions and enforced
disappearances carried out with impunity by Indian Adding to the coercive tactics, the Indian military regime
forces underscore a pattern of brazen impunity that has has embarked on a campaign of religious and cultural
persisted throughout the occupation of Kashmir. These aggression, seeking to reshape the identity and fabric
actions perpetrated by the Indian army serve as alarming of the occupied territory. This assault on the cultural and
components of a larger coercive playbook. The relentless religious heritage of Kashmiris amplifies the multifaceted
suppression of dissent and the blatant disregard for nature of the occupation, extending beyond military
human rights not only sow insecurity among Kashmiris repression to encompass a broader strategy of cultural
but also contribute to a nefarious strategy aimed at subjugation.
achieving control and dominance. MILITARIZED INFRASTRUCTURE
The documented evidence provided by a British law firm IN IOK
to the Metropolitan Police’s War Crimes Unit underscores India’s recent plans to further militarize the disputed region
a disturbing narrative of torture, war crimes and human of Kashmir warrant a critical examination, considering
rights violations in the IoK. The involvement of high- the potential interplay between non-conventional and
ranking officials, including Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane anticipated conventional military actions.
and Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, in such egregious
Firstly, the touted improvements in logistics, exemplified
acts amplifies the gravity of the situation. This deliberate
by the USBRL and strategic tunnels, cannot be divorced
erosion of human rights aligns with hybrid warfare
from the context of military strategy. India’s Cold
tactics, where internal strife is exploited to manipulate
Start Doctrine, associated with swift and proactive
perceptions both domestically and internationally.

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military operations, aligns suspiciously well with the This breach not only poses a direct threat to the affected
enhanced deployment capabilities facilitated by these individuals but also highlights the broader challenges
infrastructural developments. in safeguarding sensitive data in the digital age. The
willingness of the hacker to sell the entire Aadhaar and
The militarization of critical infrastructure is bolstering
Indian passport dataset for a mere $80,000 underscores
India’s military presence, disrupting the equilibrium in
the lucrative nature of such illicit activities, further
the region. The strategic positioning of these projects
emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
warrants a critical assessment of their contribution to
This is not the first time such a breach has occurred, as
the broader militarization of Kashmir. The shortened
evidenced by the Aadhaar data breach in March 2018,
travel times and provision of all-weather connectivity
which exposed vulnerabilities within India’s biometric
could significantly enhance India’s military capabilities
ID system, exposing 1.1 billion card details due to an
and responsiveness in the contested territory.
unsecured API.
A critical examination of India’s militarization of
In IoK, where geopolitical tensions and security concerns
infrastructural initiatives in Kashmir requires a probing
already prevail, the issuance of Aadhaar cards in the
analysis. The alignment with military doctrines, the
region becomes an even more precarious undertaking.
strategic positioning of projects and the potential impact
The potential for exploitation of such sensitive information
on regional dynamics demand scrutiny of India’s skeptical
in a conflict-ridden area poses significant risks to the
motives and the broader implications for security in the
safety and security of the locals.
region.

CYBER THREATS IN IOK MEDIA SUBVERSION

Recently, Amnesty International has vehemently Four years after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s
condemned the alarming targeting of highprofile Indian special status, the Indian authorities are persistently
journalists with Pegasus spyware, highlighting the shaping a facade of normalcy, often at the expense of
egregious violation of press freedom and journalists’ fundamental rights and accountability. In May 2023, India
safety in India. This act of deploying unlawful surveillance, deliberately selected the disputed territory as the venue
a form of hybrid warfare, intensifies existing tools of for a G20 meeting, tightly securing the area to project
repression, including draconian laws, imprisonment, an illusion of «normalcy and peace» following the 2019
smear campaigns, harassment and intimidation. The revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy. This move
pervasive use of such tactics poses a serious threat to formed part of an information warfare strategy, intending
the democratic fabric and freedom of expression in the to construct a narrative that concealed the harsh realities
country. on the ground. Despite the region remaining under strict
control with an extended lockdown, the orchestrated
The recent revelation of a massive data breach, involving
G20 meeting sought to propagate a misleading narrative
the exposure of personally identifiable information of 815
of stability. Beneath the surface of apparent peace,
million Indians, underscores the profound vulnerabilities
there persisted a forceful suppression of dissent,
in data security. The compromised details, including
constraints on media freedom and severe limitations on
Aadhaar Card numbers, passport information, names,
public protests. The deliberate shaping of this narrative
phone numbers and addresses, being available for sale
raised serious questions about the genuineness of the
on the dark web is a severe violation of privacy and
proclaimed «return to normalcy,» exposing a strategic
raises critical concerns about the protection of sensitive
use of information warfare to mask the broader erosion
personal data.
of fundamental freedoms of Kashmiris in the region.
The potential compromise of the Indian Council of Medical
A crucial tool in this information warfare arsenal is the
Research (ICMR) database, as suggested by some media
frequent shutdown of the internet, positioning India
reports, intensifies the gravity of the situation, especially
as a global leader in using this suppressive tactic.
considering the extensive scope and sensitivity of the
Kashmir, in particular, is a testing ground for assessing
exposed information.

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the effectiveness of internet shutdowns in suppressing downplays the harsh realities on the ground. The erasure
protests and controlling the flow of information to spread of critical articles from websites further exemplifies the
intentional misinformation. A significant part of this deliberate manipulation of information to fit a sanitized
strategy also involves targeting journalists in IoK, using version of events.
security force interventions, raids and arbitrary arrests
on terrorism charges. These actions contribute to a The imposition of travel bans, no-fly lists and the closure
systematic erosion of freedom of expression. of the Kashmir Press Club

In a blatant display of information warfare, India’s demonstrate a comprehensive effort to isolate the region
clampdown on media in Kashmir reveals Indian from international scrutiny. By preventing journalists from
government’s effort to control the narrative and present traveling or reporting independently, India aims to create
a distorted version of reality. The suppression of local an information vacuum, leaving the field open for the
media serves a dual purpose for the Indian authorities propagation of its narrative without credible challenges.
– projecting an illusion of normalcy while hindering the The denial of deteriorating press freedom in Kashmir
exposure of their narrative and the dissemination of by New Delhi is a concerning aspect of this information
genuine information. warfare strategy. India’s global press freedom rankings
Firstly, the systematic silencing of critical voices within have plummeted, yet the authorities persist in portraying
Kashmiri media dismantles the region’s ability to present an image of normalcy. This not only deceives the
an alternative perspective. By restricting independent international community but also serves as a tool to
journalism, India aims to stifle dissenting opinions that maintain internal control by curbing any potential outcry
challenge the official narrative. The intimidation tactics, or opposition.
including police raids, threats and arrests on terrorism CINEMATIC ASSAULT IN IOK
charges, create an environment of fear, pushing Since 2014, a troubling trend has marred the landscape
journalists to conform or face severe consequences. of the Indian film industry, with releases like the Kerala
Story,72 Hoorain and the Kashmir Files etc. These films,
Since the August 2019, more than 40 journalists in
ostensibly created for entertainment, betray a more
Kashmir have endured a spectrum of oppressive
insidious motive — to idolize the current regime and
measures, including police interrogations, physical
more alarmingly, dehumanize the Muslim community.
assaults and the imposition of fabricated criminal cases.
The government’s audacious introduction of a new The creation of a new genre within Indian cinema serves as
media policy in June 2020 provided authorities with a conduit for perpetuating structural and physical violence,
enhanced tools to tighten their grip on the narrative, glorifying and promoting narratives that deepen societal
further constricting the semblance of press freedom. fault lines. The Kashmir Files takes the manipulation
to new heights by explicitly pushing the narrative that
The experiences of journalists like Fahad Shah, Aasif
Kashmiri Muslims are synonymous with terrorists. Going
Sultan and Sajad Gul epitomize the ruthless execution
beyond misrepresentation, the film actively demonizes
of this information warfare tactic. Despite temporary
Muslim children and youth, contributing to a dangerous
releases, they faced swift rearrests, with draconian
narrative that fosters prejudice and hostility. In an already
measures like the Public Safety Act wielded to suppress
polarized and radicalized Hindu society, these portrayals
journalistic freedom. This pattern of intimidation and
have far-reaching consequences, paving the way for
retribution underscores a concerning state of press
discrimination and potential violence against the Muslim
freedom in IoK.
community in India.
Secondly, the shutdowns and restrictions on local media
This cinematic warfare isn’t just a continuation of
outlets serve as a strategic move to control the flow of
Bollywood’s historical misrepresentations; it’s a
information. By limiting access to genuine reporting,
deliberate stride toward solely dehumanizing and
the Indian authorities attempt to curate a narrative that
desensitizing the most marginalized community, the

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Muslims. This cinematic assault on the perception of reforms. This bureaucratic approach to governance
Kashmiri Muslims is not merely an artistic misstep but raises questions about transparency, accountability and
a calculated act of information warfare. Leveraging the the democratic principles that should guide impactful
influential platform of Bollywood, these films contribute policy changes.
to constructing a distorted narrative that fuels societal
divisions. The consequences extend beyond the screen, One of the primary facets of this economic coercion is
infiltrating the collective consciousness and fostering an the seizure of critical industries and resources. By taking
environment conducive to discrimination and, alarmingly, control of J&K’s industries, including its agricultural and
even genocide. mineral wealth, India not only cripples economic growth
but also establishes a stranglehold over the region’s
ECONOMIC COERCION IN IOK economic autonomy. The deliberate obstruction of
India’s hybrid warfare tactics in IoK unfold a sinister lucrative exports, such as apples and dry fruits, serves as
strategy, employing economic coercion as a weapon a malevolent tool to undermine the economic prosperity
to subjugate and control the Kashmiri people. The of the locals.
deliberate and systematic measures undertaken by the
Indian government paint a grim picture of exploitation, Financial measures, characterized by freezing bank
perpetuating suffering and instability in the region. accounts and pressuring local banks to deny loans
based on suspicion of anti-India activities, exemplify
The enforcement of property tax in Jammu and Kashmir, a calculated effort to muzzle dissent. This not only
instituted through the J&K Reorganisation (Adaption of stifles individual economic activities but also creates
State Laws) order, 2020, has been implemented under an atmosphere of fear and financial precarity, fostering
the purview of the Jammu and Kashmir Property Tax Act a breeding ground for social unrest. The economic
2000. This legislative adaptation involved amendments strangulation policies manifest in soaring poverty and
to the Municipal Act and Corporation Act, effectively unemployment rates, exacerbating social and economic
granting the administration the authority to levy property disparities and deepening the region’s vulnerability.
taxes.
The intentional diversion of resources away from critical
The impact of this legal transformation became effective sectors like healthcare and education is a blatant
on April 1, 2023. While apparently framed as a fiscal disregard for the well-being and future prospects
measure, the implications of this move extend beyond of the Kashmiri people. As economic opportunities
mere taxation. The broad scope of property tax, covering dwindle, the region faces a crisis in essential public
all lands and buildings within municipal limits, places services, contributing to a decline in living standards.
an additional financial burden on the residents. The This deliberate neglect serves the overarching strategy
prescribed deadlines for tax submission, with penalties of hybrid warfare, using economic tools to manipulate
for non-compliance, add further strain to an already and control the narrative, further fueling discontent and
economically challenged people. potential instability.

The consequences for non-compliance with these India’s economic coercion goes beyond mere policy
tax obligations include a penalty of Rs 100 or one decisions; it represents a systematic assault
percent, with a maximum penalty cap set at Rs 1,000.
This legislative shift significantly impacts the financial on the socio-economic fabric of IIOJK. The devastating
responsibilities of the residents, adding an additional impact on the locals is evident in the high poverty
economic burden and potentially exacerbating existing rates, rampant unemployment and the alarming toll on
socio-economic challenges. mental health. The curfew and communications blackout
imposed in 2019 left Kashmiris isolated and helpless, a
One notable aspect of concern is the absence of public deliberate tactic to break their spirit and resistance.
scrutiny and the exclusion of elected representatives
in the decision-making process surrounding these tax The economic strangulation policies not only create a
vulnerable and dependent populace but also pave the

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way for India to reshape the socio-economic landscape reminder of the escalating human rights crisis. Enforced
to align with its interests. This deliberate destabilization disappearances, gendered and sexualized violence,
serves as a means to suppress dissent, perpetuating displacement, torture, and extrajudicial executions are
a cycle of dependency and control in IIOJK. As the the bitter fruits borne by the Kashmiri population. Impunity
Kashmiri people grapple with the dire consequences laws, including the Armed Forces Special Powers Act
of India’s economic coercion, the world must recognize and the J&K Disturbed Areas Act, provide a shield of
and condemn this insidious hybrid warfare strategy that immunity for state forces personnel,perpetuating a cycle
leaves a trail of suffering and injustice in its wake. of violence indicative of hybrid warfare tactics.

CONCLUSION
The unchecked rise of majoritarianism in India,
coupled with the BJP’s ascent to power in 2014 and its
subsequent re-election in 2019, has birthed a casteist,
racist, Islamophobic, and heteronormative government.
The calculated weaponization of religion and politics to
incite the Hindu majority has painted Kashmiri Muslims
as adversaries of India, effectively quashing any genuine
reflection on the root causes of the conflict.

In recent years, has deployed extreme laws and policies

in Kashmir, transcending conventional boundaries and
adopting a calculated fusion of militarization, legal
maneuvers, and egregious human rights violations. The
repercussions of these actions extend far beyond the
annulment of Article 370 and Article 35-A, marking a
turning point in the lives of Kashmiris.

the Modi-led BJP government’s hybrid warfare tactics

in Kashmir reveal a calculated and sinister strategy
that transcends conventional norms. Indian occupation
forces, bolstered in numbers, imposed curfews and
intensified cyber surveillance, effectively subjecting the
populace to governance without consent.

The removal of legal barriers facilitated the influx of

non-Kashmiris, threatening to reshape the demographic
landscape and render the Muslim majority a minority.
This demographic recalibration poses a direct affront
to the principles of self-determination, a vulnerability
readily exploited in the realm of hybrid warfare. The
sanctioned formation of village defense

groups, armed Hindu militias, further muddied the

waters, exacerbating the hybrid warfare landscape with
baseless claims of increased terror threats.

The protracted political violence in Kashmir, where

Muslims constitute the majority, serves as a stark

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