West Bank & Jerusalem
India reshapes Kashmir's demographics through residency and land policy changes
Image credit: Middle East Eye
TOP News Brief
India has fundamentally altered Kashmir's political and demographic composition through sweeping changes to domicile rules, electoral boundaries, and property ownership laws, according to Middle East Eye. The policy shifts have sparked widespread debate over whether the moves constitute settler colonialism, marking a sharp departure from Kashmir's previous autonomous status.
The modifications include tightening residency requirements for domicile eligibility, redrawing electoral districts, and revising restrictions on land purchases. Together, the changes determine who qualifies to settle in Kashmir and hold political voice in the territory.
Critics argue the measures have systematically reshaped the region's population and power structure. The timing and scope of the reforms—implemented after India revoked Kashmir's special constitutional status in 2019—have intensified concerns about long-term demographic transformation.
