February 28, 2025 – In a bold and unprecedented move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has signaled a significant policy shift in Jammu and Kashmir, rolling out a sweeping crackdown that has sent shockwaves through the region. This development, unfolding as of early 2025, marks a departure from previous approaches, showcasing a more assertive stance aimed at reshaping the political and security landscape of the Union Territory. The crackdown, characterized by intensified security operations, stricter administrative controls, and a zero-tolerance policy toward dissent, has sparked widespread debate about its implications for the future of Kashmir.
The BJP government’s latest actions come in the wake of growing tensions in the region, following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and reorganized it into two Union Territories under direct central control. While the government has long touted development and integration as its primary goals, the current crackdown suggests a pivot toward consolidating power and curbing opposition more aggressively than ever before. Over the past few weeks, security forces have ramped up operations, targeting suspected militants, political activists, and even local leaders perceived as challenging the central authority.
Reports indicate that dozens of individuals have been detained under stringent laws, including the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These laws, often criticized for their broad scope and potential for misuse, have been deployed with renewed vigor, signaling the government’s intent to dismantle networks it deems a threat to stability. Alongside these detentions, there has been a noticeable increase in cordon-and-search operations across the Kashmir Valley, with military and paramilitary presence reaching levels unseen in recent years.
The policy shift is also evident in the government’s approach to political dissent. The BJP has made it clear that it will brook no opposition to its vision for Kashmir, a stance underscored by its response to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s functioning. In late 2024, BJP leaders threatened to run a “parallel government” if the Assembly Speaker continued actions they viewed as undermining India’s sovereignty. This rhetoric has now materialized into concrete measures, with the central government tightening its grip on administrative decisions and sidelining local elected representatives. Critics argue that this move effectively hollows out the region’s democratic institutions, reducing them to mere figureheads under the Lieutenant Governor’s authority.
On the ground, the crackdown has fueled a mix of fear and frustration among residents. While some see it as a necessary step to curb militancy and ensure peace, others view it as an overreach that alienates the local population further. Small businesses in Srinagar and other urban centers have reported disruptions due to frequent security checks and internet shutdowns, a tactic that has become a hallmark of the government’s strategy to maintain control during periods of unrest. The economic fallout, coupled with restricted access to communication, has only deepened the sense of isolation felt by many Kashmiris.
The BJP’s messaging around this crackdown emphasizes national security and integration. Party leaders have repeatedly stated that their goal is to bring Jammu and Kashmir in line with the rest of India, eliminating what they describe as vestiges of separatism. This narrative has found traction among their supporters nationwide, who see the crackdown as a fulfillment of the party’s long-standing promise to assert dominance over the region. However, opponents warn that such heavy-handed tactics could backfire, reigniting unrest and pushing a new generation toward radicalization.
As of February 28, 2025, the international community has begun to take notice, with human rights organizations raising concerns about the scale and intensity of the operations. The crackdown’s timing, ahead of key political milestones like the restoration of statehood—a promise yet to be fulfilled—adds another layer of complexity. Analysts suggest that the BJP may be preempting any challenges to its authority as it navigates calls for greater autonomy from regional parties like the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party.
This never-before-seen crackdown marks a defining moment in the BJP government’s Kashmir policy. Whether it achieves its stated objectives or deepens the region’s divides remains to be seen. For now, the Valley braces for an uncertain future, caught between the government’s iron fist and the aspirations of its people.
