Surveillance, Privacy, and Security Issues in Kashmir: A Critical Examination

Jul 30, 2024 | Blog, Monthly Blogs

Since India revoked the special status of the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi has primarily focused on asserting its authority by increasing the installation of new technologies for monitoring and surveillance. The heightened surveillance by security and military agencies not only curtails the freedom of speech for the residents of Kashmir, but also perpetuates a constant state of fear for them.

Surveillance Practices in Kashmir

Kashmiris are subjected to extensive surveillance measures, with the purpose of monitoring and controlling repressed voices, limiting freedom of speech, and discouraging their internationally recognized right to self-determination.

The Indian state has used various resources, including both human and technological, to implement a “strategic and comprehensive program” as a component of its counter-insurgency mechanism, instilling fear. The objective is not only to observe Kashmiris via strategically positioned cameras but also, more insidiously, to instill in them a constant sense of being under surveillance regardless of their location. Indian digital monitoring is the most recent control tactic of the occupation, serving to showcase authority and instill terror.

Surveillance has further risen in Kashmir after New Delhi abrogated Article 370, which provided self-governance to the region in August 2019. With the Indian government’s removal of this article, military and paramilitary troops have been deployed in larger numbers, and newer surveillance systems have been installed.

The main objective behind surveillance systems and CCTVs is to acquire high-resolution cameras capable of face recognition, automated number plate recognition, color identification of objects, and detection of stone pelting incidents. 4,257 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were strategically placed in 251 police stations and 88 police posts across the seized region. The occupying authorities have issued an unexpected directive to private business companies, instructing them to install high-quality closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and report any suspicious activity to the police. The order stipulates that failure to comply will result in a penalty of a fine or jail for one month.

Similar to Israel’s “Blue Wolf” tracking database in the West Bank, the Indian authorities have introduced a novel initiative to use digital door numbers for monitoring the civilian population of IOJK.

The Indian authorities in possession of the occupied region retain dominance over the infrastructure of information and communication technology, therefore denying Kashmiris fundamental access to inexpensive and high-quality internet.

Privacy Implications

Indian occupying authorities in Kashmir conduct regular digital surveillance of the local population, monitoring them at specific locations such as concrete bunker checkpoints, workplaces, universities, hospitals, and on social media platforms. Since August 5th, 2019, Kashmiris have been consistently subjected to infringements of their privacy by Indian occupying authorities to surveil them and suppress dissenting voices.

Kashmiris living under the enduring military occupation have consistently endured substantial social regulation and surveillance, often manifested via unanticipated Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) or harsh questioning due to their opposition expressed on digital platforms. Over the last nine years, this surveillance has expanded into the digital domain and intensified via digital technology. Occupying authorities in the Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJK) often monitor Kashmiris in public areas by using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Internet shutdowns, typical for the region, only intensify the concerns. These closures, which are covered under the pretext of social/political issues that are deemed to have a negative impact on society, completely disrupt communication networks, leaving the population out of touch.

Security Concerns

On September 25, 2023, the local police department was given full access to popular social media platforms such as WhatsApp, X (previously known as Twitter), Snapchat, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok. This provides them the ability to monitor individuals who are suspected of expressing opposition to the military occupation of their country. Considering India’s position as a dominant force in Jammu and Kashmir, these actions constitute an expansion of the occupation’s attempt to establish full authority over the area and its people.

Activists on social media have strongly criticized the repressive acts of the Indian government, condemning it as a blatant violation of private rights. The large-scale surveillance system in the region of Kashmir raises significant questions over the rights of privacy of an individual. It also controls freedom of expression and invades the privacy of one’s home through constant surveillance technology.

Socio-political Ramifications

The security and monitoring scenario in Kashmir has massive political and societal implications affecting the population’s day-to-day existence. Many people live in a perpetual state of fear and paranoia, compelled to suppress their voices and remain silent to protect their families due to these draconian measures. Such restrictions of free speech weaken democracies and hinder the development of civil society. Burglar alarms, instead of providing people a sense of safety, are now making them avoid interacting with their neighbors. Nighttime curfews, search operations and arbitrary arrests are but some of the measures that have left the people feeling anything but secure. In Kashmir, neighbors often fear that others might be spying for the Indian authorities, further eroding trust within the community.

Final thoughts

There is a lack of ethical considerations and human rights concerning the issues of security, privacy, and surveillance regarding the people of Kashmir. The current security model is based on surveillance and militarization and such a security model poses threat to privacy and civil liberties. It is essential that the values of transparency, accountability and good governance are upheld in the region if there is to be any trust and security.