Kashmir in a Week

During the past week, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir saw many important developments in its security, politics, and human rights issues.  These events show that India continues its strict security approach in the region. At the same time, concerns are growing about religious freedom, digital privacy, and the safety of Kashmiris living abroad.

Police Monitoring of Mosques Raises Religious Concerns

Police in Jammu and Kashmir began collecting detailed information about mosques in the Kashmir Valley. This details about mosque structures, finances, and personal information of those who are managing them. Religious and political leaders strongly criticized this move, saying it interferes with freedom of religion. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) called the action intrusive and worrying, and demanded that it should be stopped immediately.

Heavy Security Ahead of India’s Republic Day

Indian forces increased search and patrol operations in the Chenab Valley and along the Line of Control, citing preparations for India’s Republic Day. Areas such as Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch were affected. Additional troops and night patrols disrupted daily life and created fear among local residents, raising concerns about continued militarization.

Search Operations and Clashes

Security forces launched cordon-and-search operations (CASO) in forest and mountainous areas of Kathua. Reports said gunfire was heard, and more forces were sent to the area. Joint search operations by police, army, and paramilitary forces were also carried out after reports of suspicious movement.

Dismissal of Kashmiri Government Employees

Indian authorities dismissed five newly appointed Kashmiri government employees from sectors such as education, health, forestry, and public services. Since the removal of Kashmir’s special status in 2019, hundreds of employees have been suspended or dismissed. Political groups say this is part of a systematic and discriminatory policy.

Warning Against Mass Digital Surveillance

India’s Internet Freedom Foundation warned that proposed smartphone security rules could allow large-scale government surveillance and violate the constitutional right to privacy. The proposals include access to source codes, device data storage, and government approval for security updates, which experts say could threaten user safety.

Key Political and Legal Developments

Detained Kashmiri leader Shabir Ahmad Shah told India’s Supreme Court that his speeches reflected the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and did not promote violence. Judges questioned his continued detention for over six years. Meanwhile, a Delhi court convicted Kashmiri leader Asia Andrabi under anti-terror laws, with sentencing to be announced later.

Calls for International Intervention

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference urged the United Nations and international human rights groups to help secure the release of more than 3,000 Kashmiri political prisoners held in Indian jails. The group warned about poor health and living conditions of detainees. Preparations were also discussed to observe January 26 as a “Black Day” to highlight ongoing human rights violations.

Kashmiri Students Affected by Iran Crisis

Due to rising unrest in Iran, the Jammu and Kashmir administration appointed a special officer to coordinate the safety of Kashmiri students there. Some groups of students have returned to India, while leaders such as Mehbooba Mufti called for urgent action to ensure the safe return of all remaining students.

Debate Over Islamic Heritage and Education

Hindutva groups demanded the cancellation of a symbolic Mughal-era ceremony linked to Emperor Shah Jahan at the Taj Mahal, raising fears of attacks on Islamic heritage. In Kashmir, a medical college was closed after protests against the high number of Muslim students admitted, sparking debate over discrimination and communal pressure.

Environmental and Tourism Issues

A forest fire near Srinagar continued for the sixth day, with firefighting efforts hindered by rough terrain. At the same time, heavy snowfall in higher areas attracted tourists but caused traffic jams and logistical problems, highlighting weak infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

High-Level Security Reviews

Senior Indian security official Govind Mohan held an important meeting with Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to review security arrangements ahead of Republic Day. The meeting focused on coordination between the army and civil authorities to prevent any security threats.

Army Chief Reviews Ground Situation

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, head of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, visited several areas of Kashmir to assess the security situation. He stressed the need for better coordination between agencies and higher military readiness.

Water Crisis Deepens

Local reports warned that Kashmir’s water crisis is becoming a “man-made disaster,” caused by poor planning, weak infrastructure management, and the growing impact of climate change. The lack of long-term investment has made life harder for residents.

Rising UAPA Arrests in Jammu and Kashmir Raise Human Rights Concerns

Official data shows that Jammu and Kashmir records the highest number of arrests in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), while conviction rates remain extremely low. Human rights organisations have warned that security laws are being misused against civilians.

Key Figures (2019–2023)

●       3,662 arrests under UAPA in Jammu and Kashmir

●       Only 23 convictions, a conviction rate of 0.62%

Data for 2023

●       1,206 arrests

●       Only 10 convictions (0.8%)

Sharp Rise After 2019

Arrests increased significantly after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status in August 2019:

●       2019: 227 arrests

●       2020: 346

●       2021: 645

●       2022: 1,238

●       2023: 1,206

Almost No Convictions

●       No convictions in 2019 and 2021

●       2 convictions in 2020

●       11 in 2022

●       10 in 2023

Legal and Human Rights Views

Legal experts and rights activists argue that arrest itself has become a form of punishment, with many people detained for long periods without sufficient evidence or trial. Journalists, political opponents, activists, and young people are frequently targeted.

The UAPA is often used alongside the Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows detention without trial. Rights groups say this combination has led to shrinking civil liberties and increased human rights violations in Kashmir.

Pro-Iran Protests in Kashmir

Several areas of the Kashmir Valley witnessed peaceful demonstrations in support of Iran, reflecting regional geopolitical tensions.

Bijapur Operation in Chhattisgarh

On Saturday, 17 January 2026, Indian security forces conducted an anti-Maoist operation in forested areas of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Joint forces included:

●       CoBRA unit of CRPF

●       Special Task Force (STF)

●       District Reserve Guard (DRG)

Casualties and Seizures

●       Four people killed, including Dilip Vidja, described by authorities as a senior Maoist leader

●       Weapons recovered included an AK-47 rifle and a .303 rifle

●       Search operations are ongoing

Conflicting Narratives

While authorities say the operation is part of a wider campaign to eliminate Maoist insurgency by 31 March 2026, rights groups and local activists allege the incident may have been an extrajudicial killing or a staged encounter, claims denied by the government.

Eight Indian Soldiers Injured in Attack During Security Operation in Kishtwar

At least eight Indian soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), were injured during an attack on security forces amid a cordon-and-search operation in the Sonar area of the Chatroo sector in Kishtwar district, north Jammu and Kashmir.

According to security officials, the operation—known as “Operation Trashi”—turned into a gunfight during the first contact with armed militants. The attackers allegedly threw a grenade at the security team, injuring most of the soldiers with shrapnel.

Details of the Encounter

The operation began on Sunday, 18 January, in Sonar village near the Mandral–Singpora axis. It was suspended late at night due to difficult terrain and poor visibility. The search resumed on Monday morning with additional reinforcements.

The injured soldiers were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Officials confirmed that one of the injured is a JCO.

Reinforcements and Aerial Support

Indian forces deployed additional units, including:

●       Indian Army

●       Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

●       Special Operations Group (SOG)

Army helicopters were used for aerial surveillance, supply transport, and operational support in mountainous areas. Drones and sniffer dogs were also deployed, and a tight security cordon was established to prevent militants from escaping.

Current Situation

No fresh exchanges of fire have been reported since the initial encounter. However, search and combing operations are ongoing to locate the militants hiding in higher reaches and dense forests.

Security agencies estimate that two to three militants are involved and believe they belong to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group.

Security Context

This incident marks the third armed encounter in the Jammu region this year, following earlier clashes in the Kahog and Nagrota forests of Kathua district. It comes amid heightened security measures ahead of India’s Republic Day on 26 January, along with reports of renewed infiltration attempts.

The Indian Army stated that its forces displayed high preparedness and professionalism despite harsh weather and difficult terrain, and confirmed that operations will continue until the militant group is fully neutralised.