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Ethnic cleansing phase 1 - India starts granting domicile certification to non-Kashmiris

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Up to 25,000 people have been granted domicile certificates in Indian-administered Kashmir since May 18, raising fears of the beginning of demographic changes in the Muslim-majority Himalayan region.

The certificate, a sort of citizenship right, entitles a person to residency and government jobs in the region, which till last year was reserved only for the local population.

Last year on August 5, when India revoked the semi-autonomous status of the region, it also scrapped the local special citizenship law, guaranteed under Article 35 (A) of the Indian constitution. The move has drawn parallel with the occupied West Bank.

On Friday, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden said, "India should take all necessary steps to restore the rights of all the people of Kashmir."

"Restrictions on dissent, such as peaceful protests or shutting or slowing down the internet weakens democracy," says a policy paper posted on his website.

'Kashmir becoming another Palestine'

"The decision to provide non-Kashmiri residents with a domicile certificate is certainly the beginning of the end. This is the beginning of Kashmir becoming another Palestine," Badar-Ul-Islam Sheikh, a 29-year-old resident of the main city of Srinagar, told Al Jazeera.

"It is sad. It is horrible. I fear that time will come that we will not even feel safe in our homes," he said. "We have been silenced."

According to a census conducted by India in 2011, out of 12.5 million total population, Muslims comprise 68.31 percent and Hindus 28.43 percent in Kashmir.

Article 35 (A) had barred outsiders, including Indian nationals from other states, from settling and claiming government jobs to maintain the demographic balance in the region, which has seen decades of armed rebellion against the Indian rule.

On Friday, a picture of the domicile certificate issued to Navin Kumar Choudhary, a bureaucrat originally from the Indian state of Bihar, went viral on social media.

In April this year, amid the coronavirus lockdown, the government notified domicile laws making an unspecified number of outsiders eligible for residency and jobs.

According to the new law, any person who has lived in the region for 15 years, or has studied in the region for seven years and passed his class 10 or class 12 examination is eligible for domicile certificate.


Also, children of Indian government employees who have served in the state for 10 years are eligible to settle and claim local residency rights. The law applies even if the children have never lived in Kashmir.

Out of 66, top bureaucrats serving in the region, 38 are outsiders belonging to other Indian states. Many other outsiders serve in various central government institutions like banks, post offices telecommunication facilities, security institutions, and universities.

'Disastrous' for the region
Khurram Parvez, a human rights activist based in Srinagar, said the move was "disastrous' for the whole region.

"It appears government is in some kind of hurry. Within weeks so many people applied," he told Al Jazeera.

Kashmiri politicians across the divide have said the revocation of special citizenship rights was aimed at reversing the Muslim majority character of the region, which is now directly ruled from New Delhi.

The local legislature, which was directly elected by the people, was suspended in the wake of the scrapping of Article 370 last year.

"All our misgivings about the new domicile rules in J&K are coming to the fore," tweeted Omar Abdullah, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, which was earlier a state and now a federally administered region.

Omar was jailed following the removal of the region's autonomy in August last year along with most prominent Kashmiri leaders who opposed the stripping of the region's special status by the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was released almost eight months later, in March.

"We in @JKNC_ [Jammu and Kasmir National Conference] opposed the changes because we could see the nefarious design behind the changes. The people of J&K on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountains will be the sufferers of these domicile rules," he tweeted on Friday.

But the Indian government says the move to change the status of Kashmir was done to integrate the Muslim-majority region with the rest of the country in order to bring development.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on the condition of anonymity, a government official said, since May 18, when the rules were notified, 33,000 people had applied for the domicile certificates. Out of them, 25,000 people have been granted residency rights, he said.

Most certificates issued in Jammu region
As many as 32,000 applications were filed in 10 districts of the Hindu majority Jammu region in the south. The highest number of 8,500 certificates has been issued in the Doda district, which has a delicate demographic balance, with Muslims comprising 53.81 percent and Hindus 45.76 percent.


Up to 6,213 domicile certificates have been issued in Rajouri district, which has 62.71 percent Muslim population. Authorities have distributed 6,123 residency certificates in Poonch, a border district comprising 90.44 percent Muslim population.

In the Kashmir region, which is about 96.4 percent Muslim population, 435 certificates have been issued so far, out of the total 720 applications.

As of now, it is not clear how many outsiders, like Choudhary, have been issued domicile certificates. The 25,000 new citizens also include Hindu refugees, who had settled in the region at the time of partition of the sub-continent in 1947. They had migrated from territories, now part of Pakistan. But due to Kashmir's residency laws and special status they were not granted local residency rights.

Parvez, the human rights activist, said the local government, which takes orders from New Delhi, has threatened to penalise officials Rs 50,000 ($660) if a domicile certificate is not issued within stipulated 14 days, adding that it would be difficult to verify the claims of applicants within such a short period.

"If you compare it with northeastern state of Assam, [where the ruling Bharatiya Janata party] BJP [government] wants every application to be scrutinised by officers," Parvez told Al Jazeera, referring to the state where nearly two million people were left out of a 2019 citizenship list.

"[In Assam] people also had the right to object to anyone's application. But here neither officers nor anyone else has a right to object to domicile right," he said.


"The government has already warned those who oppose will have to go to the jail." Parvez said people were not in support of the law but cannot oppose "under the pressure of gun and state violence".

"It will only complicate conflict and make things ugly," he said.

Kashmir is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir, called Aksai Chin, is also held by China.

Currently, India and China are engaged in a deadly border standoff since the beginning of May. On June 15, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in border fights, creating the worst tensions between Beijing and New Delhi in nearly 50 years.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, New Delhi and Islamabad have fought three wars - in 1947, 1965, and 1971. Two of them have been over Kashmir.

Kashmiri rebel groups have been fighting for independence or unification with neighbouring Pakistan. They enjoy broad-based popularity in the Kashmir valley.

According to several human rights organisations, thousands of people have been killed since 1989, when India sent tens of thousands of troops to the region to quell the armed rebellion.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020...hift-thousands-residency-200627103940283.html
 
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Have said it before. The demographies will change, Hindus and Non-kashmiris will be settled in Jammu and Kashmir and its already happening.

Just give it a few years, the Muslim Majority Status of J & K will be changed to Hindu Majority.

Lets see what Pakistan and their fauj can do.

Biggest claim that Pakistan has over Kashnir is its Muslim Majority population and that status will be diluted in years to come. Na rahega Muslim majority, na rahega Pakistan ka claim.
 
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Its a shame this is happening under the nose of IK. Wonder what his next move would be, if he has any.
 
This is similar to the influx of the berber community into Libya to supplement Turkish rule and also the influx of asians into Kenya during the British empire
Kashmiris themselves are not all indigenous people or red Indians, there are jatts, rajput, mughals, Gujjars, rajput, punjab is etc
Hopefully this doesn't force Muslims into Amritsar like it did during siikh rule in kashmir
 
No piece of land belongs to a religion.

Kashmir itself wasn't always a muslim majority region, neither was Pakistan/Bangladesh for that matter, historically speaking.

Demography changes over time. At this moment we have not even studied the authenticity or claims on the basis of which these domiciles are being granted. Many of the people are probably getting a long over due domicoleny probably not.

I understand the context of this discussion and this thread title. This is a Pakistani website, we in India at present have a fascist majoritarian government, there is a land dispute, overwhelmingly muslim people in Kashmir are suffering from curfew since months.

All of the above is well understood, but Pakistanis must also realise that giving this a religious angle has only kept the anger among muslims alive but it has done Kashmiris/Kashmir no favour. A claim on the basis of religion has only weakened/diverted the Kashmiri struggle/politics to a other path while at the same time making majority hindu India's resolve a alot stronger in fighting for the land.

If Kashmir issue has to ever come to a logical conclusion, it has to be on humanitarian grounds. Merely raising green flags and claiming it in the name of Islam will never make India concede or do any favours.
 
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No piece of land belongs to a religion.

Kashmir itself wasn't always a muslim majority region, neither was Pakistan/Bangladesh for that matter, historically speaking.

Demography changes over time. At this moment we have not even studied the authenticity or claims on the basis of which these domiciles are being granted. Many of the people are probably getting a long over due domicoleny probably not.

I understand the context of this discussion and this thread title. This is a Pakistani website, we in India at present have a fascist majoritarian government, there is a land dispute, overwhelmingly muslim people in Kashmir are suffering from curfew since months.

All of the above is well understood, but Pakistanis must also realise that giving this a religious angle has only kept the anger among muslims alive but it has done Kashmiris/Kashmir no favour. A claim on the basis of religion has only weakened/diverted the Kashmiri struggle/politics to a other path while at the same time making majority hindu India's resolve a alot stronger in fighting for the land.

If Kashmir issue has to ever come to a logical conclusion, it has to be on humanitarian grounds. Merely raising green flags and claiming it in the name of Islam will never make India concede or do any favours.

Its not like India is gonna give it up on humanitarian basis, they are glad the armed forces are murdering and raping so spare us the sanctimony please
 
Have said it before. The demographies will change, Hindus and Non-kashmiris will be settled in Jammu and Kashmir and its already happening.

Just give it a few years, the Muslim Majority Status of J & K will be changed to Hindu Majority.

Lets see what Pakistan and their fauj can do.

Biggest claim that Pakistan has over Kashnir is its Muslim Majority population and that status will be diluted in years to come. Na rahega Muslim majority, na rahega Pakistan ka claim.

Opps .Pakistan have also start their work in gilgit biltistan .Let see 56 inch wala modi can do something about it

Breaking News

New elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislation Assembly will be held on August 18, 2020.

Election on 24 MPA general seats will be held.
 
Have said it before. The demographies will change, Hindus and Non-kashmiris will be settled in Jammu and Kashmir and its already happening.

Just give it a few years, the Muslim Majority Status of J & K will be changed to Hindu Majority.

Lets see what Pakistan and their fauj can do.

Biggest claim that Pakistan has over Kashnir is its Muslim Majority population and that status will be diluted in years to come. Na rahega Muslim majority, na rahega Pakistan ka claim.

Seems like the mask is truly off for some. We know have posters gleefully celebrating a potential genocide.
 
Below is the definition of ethnic cleansing, why is the thread title named so?

Ethnic cleansing is the systematic forced removal of ethnic, racial and/or religious groups from a given territory by a more powerful ethnic group, often with the intent of making it ethnically homogeneous.
 
Pakistan slams India for issuing illegal IOJ&K domiciles to non-Kashmiris

Pakistan on Saturday categorically rejected the grant of domicile certificates of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) to Indian nationals, which observers believe is an attempt to alter demography of the Muslim-majority area.

The certificate, a sort of citizenship right, entitles a person to residency and government jobs in the region, which till last year were reserved only for the local population.

A statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Aishaq Farooqui said reportedly 25,000 Indian national were issued “bogus” domicile certificate, a move which was also rejected by the Kashmiris.

“The certificates issued to non-Kashmiris including, among others, the Indian government officials under “Jammu and Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure), 2020″ are illegal, void and in complete violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and International law including the 4th Geneva Convention,” read the official statement.

The latest action also vindicates Pakistan’s consistent stance that the major intention behind the Indian government’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019 was to change the demographic structure of IOJ&K and turn Kashmiris into a minority in their own land, the statement added.

“This has long been part of the RSS-BJP’s ‘Hindutva’ agenda.”

The spokesperson said Modi-led Indian government intends to undermine the exercise by the Kashmiri people of their right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nation as per the relevant UNSC resolutions.

“Through these reprehensible actions, along with continuing restrictions, excruciating military crackdown, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detentions and incarcerations, and unabated grave human rights violations, India seeks to further perpetuate its illegal occupation of IOJ&K,” the statement added.

Farooqui said India has failed to break the will of the Kashmiri people through suppression “and it will not succeed in doing so in the future”.

The United Nations and the international community must intervene to stop India from changing the demographic structure of IOJ&K by settling people from India in a territory that it has illegally occupied and the status of which remains disputed, demanded the FO.

“India must be urged to immediately cancel all the domicile certificates of IOJ&K issued illegally, revoke unlawful rules aimed at further disempowering and disenfranchising the Kashmiris by effecting a demographic change, and comply with its international legal obligations through implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions.”

The recipients of the domicile certificates must know that India has no legal authority to bring in and settle people from outside the occupied valley, it said, adding that the international law bars India from such illegal actions.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/225170...issuing-illegal-iojk-domiciles-non-kashmiris/
 
Below is the definition of ethnic cleansing, why is the thread title named so?

Ethnic cleansing is the systematic forced removal of ethnic, racial and/or religious groups from a given territory by a more powerful ethnic group, often with the intent of making it ethnically homogeneous.

Misleading titles get can more eyeballs. All media practice it.
 
Indian territory, Indian rules. Indian land is for every Indian regardless of caste or religion or ethnicity . 2nd richest guy in India is a Muslim so migration opens doors for other Muslims as well like businessmen, athletes etc. since it looks like there aren’t any prominent scientists or other luminaries from present day Kashmir it may benefit the locals as well to learn from them and the radical types will be made insignificant.

Anyone has issue can may be go via legal/diplomatic route or free to take the land back from India. It is dumb to have an entire Indian territory blocked from development from some silly rules.

This is a very positive news if you look at it objectively.
 
Have said it before. The demographies will change, Hindus and Non-kashmiris will be settled in Jammu and Kashmir and its already happening.

Just give it a few years, the Muslim Majority Status of J & K will be changed to Hindu Majority.

Lets see what Pakistan and their fauj can do.

Biggest claim that Pakistan has over Kashnir is its Muslim Majority population and that status will be diluted in years to come. Na rahega Muslim majority, na rahega Pakistan ka claim.

I have heard all my life how if they ever was a referendum in Kashmir the people will choose India over Pakistan. At least people like you are finally admitting that Kashmiris do not want to be part of India.
 
No piece of land belongs to a religion.

Kashmir itself wasn't always a muslim majority region, neither was Pakistan/Bangladesh for that matter, historically speaking.

Demography changes over time. At this moment we have not even studied the authenticity or claims on the basis of which these domiciles are being granted. Many of the people are probably getting a long over due domicoleny probably not.

I understand the context of this discussion and this thread title. This is a Pakistani website, we in India at present have a fascist majoritarian government, there is a land dispute, overwhelmingly muslim people in Kashmir are suffering from curfew since months.

All of the above is well understood, but Pakistanis must also realise that giving this a religious angle has only kept the anger among muslims alive but it has done Kashmiris/Kashmir no favour. A claim on the basis of religion has only weakened/diverted the Kashmiri struggle/politics to a other path while at the same time making majority hindu India's resolve a alot stronger in fighting for the land.

If Kashmir issue has to ever come to a logical conclusion, it has to be on humanitarian grounds. Merely raising green flags and claiming it in the name of Islam will never make India concede or do any favours.

In the subcontinent religion is not only a set of beliefs, there are cultural differences of Muslims and Hindus even if they belong to the same ethnic group. Also there historical narratives are not the same.

Take Kashmir for example,

Kashmiri Muslims want Nastaliq as the script for Kashmiri, while Kashmiri Hindus prefer Devnagari or Sharada Script.

Kashmiri Muslims use more Persian words in Kashmiri, while Kashmiri Hindus use more Sanskrit Words.

Kashmiri Muslims consider the third largest city in Kashmir to be Islamabad, Kashmiri Hindus consider that same city to be Anantnag.

Kashmir Muslim era is viewed completely different by Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Hindus.

So who is the majority has a huge impact on the culture of Kashmir.
 
Its not like India is gonna give it up on humanitarian basis, they are glad the armed forces are murdering and raping so spare us the sanctimony please

What is the view of the average Kashmiri about the Valmiki community members who have been stuck doing menial jobs (safai karamchari?) for many decades? Don't you think they have been treated unfairly? From what I read there were many broken promises to them by successive state governments. Are there more Valmikis in Jammu or Kashmir?
 
And i guess more than kashmir its jammu who is gonna lose very much
Don't you guys now adays see
Jammu fighting for domicile
They are now getting the hate
What they are losing
 
In the subcontinent religion is not only a set of beliefs, there are cultural differences of Muslims and Hindus even if they belong to the same ethnic group. Also there historical narratives are not the same.

Take Kashmir for example,

Kashmiri Muslims want Nastaliq as the script for Kashmiri, while Kashmiri Hindus prefer Devnagari or Sharada Script.

Kashmiri Muslims use more Persian words in Kashmiri, while Kashmiri Hindus use more Sanskrit Words.

Kashmiri Muslims consider the third largest city in Kashmir to be Islamabad, Kashmiri Hindus consider that same city to be Anantnag.

Kashmir Muslim era is viewed completely different by Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Hindus.

So who is the majority has a huge impact on the culture of Kashmir.

If this is the case where religion is everything in subcontinent, then there should be no muslims in hindu majority Indian states and India should be a hindu rastra? But if this ever happens, you will be the first one to cry foul about rising intolerance, fascism, bigotry etc. The message I am getting here is, there must be secularism where hindus are in majority but muslims majority lands should only be reserved for muslims. If non muslim try to settle their, we would term it as 'Ethning Cleansing'.

Dont you see the open hypocracy here?
 
And i guess more than kashmir its jammu who is gonna lose very much
Don't you guys now adays see
Jammu fighting for domicile
They are now getting the hate
What they are losing


we will suffer a lot but most of Jammu hindus were doing bhangra when they revoked 370 article but now they know Indians will make this place living hill.
 
And now some drama to spice things up in Kashmir..

==


A government order asking oil marketing companies to stock up two months’ supply of LPG cylinders in Kashmir Valley has sparked speculations, with NC leader Omar Abdullah questioning the need for such a move.

According to the June 27 order issued by the director of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Kashmir, an adviser to Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor G C Murmu has passed directions in a meeting on June 23 “to ensure sufficient stocks of LPG in the valley as the supply of the same gets affected due to closure of the National Highway on account of frequent landslides”.

Describing the order as a “matter most urgent”, the director asked the oil marketing companies to make adequate stocks of LPG which can last up to two months both at bottling plants as well as godowns.

Though similar exercises are common in winter months in view of frequent disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, such huge stocking does not usually take place in summers.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also cited another communique by the Ganderbal district police for making provisions for lodging of central forces and said such orders create panic in Kashmir and sought an explanation from the government.

“Government orders are creating panic in Kashmir & unfortunately after all the lies & false assurances last year even if/when the government explains these orders hardly any of us will take the assurances at face value. That said they still need to explain these orders,” Omar tweeted, referring to the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 provisions in August last year.

In his communique, the senior superintendent of police (SSP) of Ganderbal has requested the district administration to make available 16 educational institutes, including ITI buildings, middle and higher secondary schools, in the central Kashmir district.

The SSP said the buildings were needed to accommodate central armed paramilitary forces (CAPFs). “In view of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2020, and due to the dearth of accommodation facilities in district Ganderbal for incoming CAPF companies, it is requested that these accommodation centres/ education institutes may kindly be made available for accommodation of the CAPF companies during the period of the yatra,” the SSP said.

National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq also demanded an explanation from the government, saying the people of Kashmir cannot afford to live another year in “fear and uneasiness”.

“It’s summer so not many landslides. Stock for two months. Matter most urgent. These three points need clarity at the highest level. People of Kashmir can’t afford to live in yet another year of fear and uneasiness,” he posted on Twitter.
Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Ganderbal, sought to link the orders with the situation along the LAC. “…whatever it is, it is causing anxiety among the people in the valley,” he said.

https://indianexpress.com/article/i...supply-in-kashmir-sparks-speculation-6480587/
 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First India's attempt at illegal annexation of IOJK & now its attempts to alter IOJK's demographic structure incl by issuance of domicile certificates to 25,000 Indian nationals are all illegal, in violation of UNSC resolutions & international law, incl 4th Geneva Convention.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1277864362330505216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have approached UN Secretary General and am reaching out to other world leaders. India must be stopped from this unacceptable path that further usurps the legal & internationally guaranteed rights of the Kashmiri people & seriously imperils peace and security in South Asia.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1277864365476192258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Annexing IOK via Art. 370 revocation has been Indian policy for decades. Ever wonder why India chose 2019 to finally go through w/ it? YOU.<br><br>Your “endorsement” emboldened Modi to annex IOK. And you’re going to have to live w/ that stain for the rest of your life. Shame on you.</p>— sameera khan (@SameeraKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SameeraKhan/status/1277868572639977472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Annexing IOK via Art. 370 revocation has been Indian policy for decades. Ever wonder why India chose 2019 to finally go through w/ it? YOU.<br><br>Your “endorsement” emboldened Modi to annex IOK. And you’re going to have to live w/ that stain for the rest of your life. Shame on you.</p>— sameera khan (@SameeraKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SameeraKhan/status/1277868572639977472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Can you explain how Imran Khan has endorsed the Indian annexation of IOK?
 
Can you explain how Imran Khan has endorsed the Indian annexation of IOK?

It's a common allegation from the opposition, implying that the govt. was weak and thus "handed over" IOK.

For reference, Sameera Khan is a PPP supporter.

Of course, India would be shaking in their boots if Nawaz or Zardari were in power, alternatively.
 
It's a common allegation from the opposition, implying that the govt. was weak and thus "handed over" IOK.

For reference, Sameera Khan is a PPP supporter.

Of course, India would be shaking in their boots if Nawaz or Zardari were in power, alternatively.

Would still be interested to hear Rajdeep's view since he has probably posted that tweet without having a clue as to what Sameera Khan was referring to.
 
It’s interesting that the people who complain about the potential demographic changes in j&k remained silent when the demographics of Gilgit-Baltistan were artificially altered for political reasons.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
 
It’s interesting that the people who complain about the potential demographic changes in j&k remained silent when the demographics of Gilgit-Baltistan were artificially altered for political reasons.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

Could you please expand a little bit on the demographic changes in Gilgit-Baltistan?
 
From 1 tweet to 3. Activity has increased to scary proportions.

Supporting an army who will continue to kill, rape, and destroy is scarier but as a BJP supporter that is somehow justified.

The tweet is a medium that has been used by many politicians from all over the world. Welcome to 2020.
 
Could you please expand a little bit on the demographic changes in Gilgit-Baltistan?

The Shia population there has dropped from ~80% to at least ~39% (I say at least as the authorities still haven’t released the 2017 census data from Gilgit Baltistan, wonder why?)

Two wrongs don’t make a right but Khan who whines about the so called demographic changes in J&K has said nothing about the same happening in G-B.
 
Concern Over New Rule On Land Lease In Jammu And Kashmir

Owners of hundreds of businesses in Jammu and Kashmir, including hotels at the skiing resort Gulmarg, are worried that they might have to close down after a new land law has come into effect in the Union Territory.

According to a notification, the administration has asked the owners to hand over possession of leased land immediately, failing which they shall be evicted. The administration has also refused to renew the lease of outgoing lessees and decided to outsource it through online auction.

Opposition parties have strongly reacted to the administration's decision to bring the new law into effect. They say the move is aimed at giving the land to outsiders, dispossessing local businessmen and entrepreneurs.

"Natural justice is that you give leaseholders the right to renew the lease. They should have the first right of refusal. You ( administration) should decide rates. If leaseholder are not willing pay then you can take next step" said Omar Abdullah, former J&K chief minister.

The National Conference leader said that it appears the new law is aimed at snatching properties from local lease holders and giving it to outsiders.

Sajad Lone, president of Peoples Conference said the new rules are not at par with the rest of the country and it will start a dark chapter. "It may well start the dark chapter of now blatantly othering the Kashmiris. Lease rules across the world and in India are fairly simple and on similar lines. But these are different and not without motives," tweeted Mr Lone.

Altaf Bukahri, president of J&K Apni Part president Altaf Bukhari termed the notification as "draconian and inhumane" "We have never seen such laws anywhere in any part of the world. People in possession of the land are being kicked out. It should be dealt and managed in an appropriate way. These new land laws cannot be implemented and will not be allowed to be implemented," said Mr Bukhari.

But Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said land laws in Jammu and Kashmir were "regressive". The land laws were "not framed keeping in view the interests of the common masses. Around 40 to 45 per cent cases in various courts are due to land disputes," Mr Sinha said.

According to the J&K Land Grant Rules, 2022, which had replaced J&K Land Grants Rules, 1960, land can be leased for education, healthcare, tourism, skill development and recreational purposes.

It can also be given to ex-servicemen, war widows, families of deprived categories, migrant workers, building and construction workers and sufferers of natural calamities.

According to the new rules, outgoing lessees will be paid for any structure built on the land, "provided the lessee has not violated any of the conditions of the lease".

The hoteliers in skiing resort Gulmarg say the decision will shut their businesses and destroy tourism sector. All tourist facilities in most of the tourist resorts in J&K are built on leased land.

There are 58 hotels and hutments built on leased land in Gulmarg. Except just one hotel, lease period of all other properties has expired in Gulmarg, the hoteliers say.

The government had given the land on lease for a period 40 years under the 1960 law to promote tourism.

"We were repeatedly requesting the administration to renew lease agreements and we are ready to pay as per market rates. But after dillydallying for years, they have come up with a new land rule," said a hotelier.

Lease period of these properties has expired for last several years.

"After years of turbulence in Kashmir, tourism was revived for the last few years. We have been doing good business and a large number of jobs are created in the tourism sector. The new land rules will uproot hoteliers who have invested heavily during difficult times in the Valley," said another hotelier.

NDTV
 
What a terrible title for the thread. Kashmiris are still the overwhelming majority in Kashmir and they are not being rounded up and killed as the thread title claims. :facepalm:
 
What a terrible title for the thread. Kashmiris are still the overwhelming majority in Kashmir and they are not being rounded up and killed as the thread title claims. :facepalm:

I think it seems obvious what the endgame here is. Endgame is to destroy Kashmiri identity.

India of course can't round up and kill as it can result in sanctions/boycotts and whatnot. So, perhaps they are trying to do this legally.
 
I think it seems obvious what the endgame here is. Endgame is to destroy Kashmiri identity.

India of course can't round up and kill as it can result in sanctions/boycotts and whatnot. So, perhaps they are trying to do this legally.

The identity should be Indian. Kashmiri comes later. Just like for Bengalis or Punjabis or Malayalees.

The end game is complete integration into Indian main stream. These people have been misled and due to that they wasted the future of generations of youth.
 
The identity should be Indian. Kashmiri comes later. Just like for Bengalis or Punjabis or Malayalees.

The end game is complete integration into Indian main stream. These people have been misled and due to that they wasted the future of generations of youth.

Just so you know Indians can't buy property in Sikkim,Nagaland and there are specific restrictions in few other states too.

Having said that why Indian establishment is doing this is not to break Kashmiri Identity but to break the resistance and noise that comes with it and that is demographic changes for sure.

Irrespective I do think Ladakh deserves to be separated and have development done there for locals.
 
Apparently the take up of people setting up business or living in Indian administered Kashmir has been very low.
 
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