Militarized settlements being created for Pandits in Kashmir

On December 22nd, the construction of four militarized Israeli-style settlements for Kashmiri Pandits (Brahmins) at the Wandhama area of Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was completed. The total number of settlements that the Indian state plans to construct in the district are twelve, out of which four would be ready by the end of this month^[11]. Many sections of the Indian rightwing have also been calling for the construction of separate housing colonies for Kashmiri Pandits. Instead of settling them among the general population, they want to create separate walled and guarded settlements. This segregation is similar to that which Israel imposed in the occupied West Bank to advance its own project of settler colonialism^[12].

[11] https://freepresskashmir.news/2022/12/22/four-transit-accommodations-for-kashmiri-pandits-to-be-ready-by-dec-end-say-officials/

[12] https://www.himalmag.com/kashmir-and-the-rise-of-settler-colonialism-2020/