In a desperate bid to maintain its precarious grip on occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India has launched extensive cordon and search operations, spreading fear and uncertainty across the UNgranted disputed territory.

According to Kashmir Media Service, these operations have sparked widespread concern among locals, human rights activists, and the international community. The crackdown, which spans from Srinagar in the Kashmir valley to the farthest reaches of the Jammu region, has resulted in the arbitrary arrest of scores of innocent civilians and summoning many others to police stations. Rights activists have termed the Indian authorities’ actions as a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the Kashmiri people, stifling their aspirations for selfdetermination ahead of the sham IIOJK Assembly elections, scheduled in three phases with the first phase to begin on September 18.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas in a statement issued in Srinagar reiterated that Indian atrocities cannot force Kashmiris into submission through atrocities, and they will continue the struggle for selfdetermination. He condemned the killing of Kashmiri youth in fake encounters and demanded a UN probe. The APHC also demanded the release of Hurriyat leaders and activists languishing in various jails.

Other Hurriyat leaders and organizations have also appealed to the international community to recognize the Kashmiris’ right to selfdetermination and support their just struggle for freedom. They said Kashmiris have rejected India’s upcoming election drama, demanding their UNpledged rights instead.

Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti has stressed the need to address the Kashmir issue and protect Article 370, accusing the BJP of trying to suppress the issue. Former student union president and politician Kanhaiya Kumar has said that IIOJK needs “actual peace”, not just silence, and criticized the ruling BJP for harboring “ill intentions”.