ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Altaf Hussain Wani, in a letter to UN special rapporteurs, has expressed deep concern over ongoing land acquisition, environmental destruction, and human rights violations by the India’s Modi regime in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Kashmir Media Service, Wani highlighted that projects carried out under the guise of development — especially following the abrogation of Article 370 and amendments to the Land Grants Rules — have dismantled longstanding land protections, allowed transfers to non-residents, and vested strategic land control with central agencies and armed forces.
Between 2019 and 2022, over 2,359 hectares of state land were acquired, raising fears of demographic engineering and marginalization of indigenous communities.
The KIIR chief pointed to the Pulwama–Shopian railway project, warning it will destroy nearly 700,000 fruit-bearing trees, consume over 600 acres of fertile farmland, and directly threaten the livelihoods of more than 100 families.
He cited experts who have cautioned about deforestation, soil degradation, disruption of irrigation, and long-term damage to the region’s fragile ecology.
Wani stressed that these actions violate the right to a clean environment, livelihood, and an adequate standard of living, noting that land is often acquired without meaningful consultation, consent, or proper compensation.
He urged UN special rapporteurs to assess the environmental, social, and human rights impacts, engage with Indian authorities, recommend alternative routes to protect fertile land, and ensure compliance with international standards.
Kashmiris face imminent threat to cultural heritage
He warned that the people of Pulwama and Shopian face an imminent threat to their environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage, calling for urgent international intervention to safeguard their rights and promote sustainable, rights-based development in the territory.
