https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/31/shutdown-in-kashmir-protests-indias-new-land-laws
In August 2019, PM Modi removed Kashmir’s special regional status and divided the land into two federal territories belonging to India. The previous protections on land and jobs have been removed. Kashmir’s land has now been opened up for Indians to purchase, which has came with criticism from all sides of the conflict. Additionally, India’s new form of direct governance in Kashmir has came with the implementation of Hindi in street signs and documents, and the forced spread of Indian culture. The region has since then been shut down, with government forces constantly monitoring the area and communications systems blacked out. Kashmir has faced widespread resentment and economic concern throughout the shut down.
Kashmir has been fully claimed by both India and Pakistan, yet held special autonomy from both. India’s domination of the region has come with increased tension from Pakistan, and recently, violence from both sides in the region making their poor relationship worse. The current conflict in Kashmir is being compared to Palestine by some– the right wing Indian party, the BJP headed by Modi, is pushing the spread of Indian culture and the Hindi language in order to dominate the region, as well as stripping Kashmir’s autonomy and implementing new laws. Muslim Kashmiris hold concerns that the news land laws are meant for the Hindu nationalist party to change the demography of the region as well. India’s government has come under fire for minority suppression before, but their control over Kashmir is increasing regional tension and criticism as a whole.