Srinagar, India — Amid rising tensions in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resistance movements are intensifying, challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertions that the country is winning its fight against militancy. As calls for greater autonomy and independence echo across the region and several Indian states, the reality starkly contrasts official narratives of stability and peace.
Despite government claims of an effective crackdown on armed groups, reports indicate an alarming resurgence of resistance initiatives against Indian authorities. Since the early 1990s, Jammu and Kashmir has been the epicenter of an ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives, including many Indian soldiers, raising questions about the efficacy of the government’s security measures.
Recent analyses suggest that Modi’s administration, which has framed its approach as a means to restore order, has instead deepened divisions within society. The persistent enforcement of repressive policies is believed to have alienated local populations, igniting further dissent not only in Kashmir but also across states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Punjab.
Over the last three decades, more than 56,000 incidents of violence related to the resistance have been documented, with civilian casualties surpassing that of armed resistance fighters. Data reveals that for every four fighters, India has lost approximately one soldier and two civilians, prompting rising concerns over human rights violations. The pattern of indiscriminate violence allegedly perpetrated by Indian forces against suspected militants has amplified calls for accountability.
From March 2000 to April 2025, close to 5,000 civilians reportedly lost their lives in armed confrontations, alongside significant casualties among Indian security personnel. In 2024 alone, 29 soldiers, including five officers, were killed in similar incidents, hinting at a deteriorating security landscape.
The situation has only worsened in 2025, with at least 19 soldiers reported dead in Jammu and Kashmir due to resistance attacks, further complicating the region’s already volatile atmosphere. Meanwhile, incidents in northeastern states are witnessing an escalation in activities by Maoist and Naxalite groups, reinforcing perceptions of a national security crisis.
As reports continue to surface about growing unrest and resistance movements across various regions in India, the government’s narrative of restoring normalcy comes under increasing skepticism. The continuing struggle for autonomy highlights profound dissatisfaction with New Delhi’s governance, casting a long shadow over Modi’s vision of a more united and peaceful nation.
This evolving landscape underscores the complexities and challenges that lie ahead for India, as local populations navigate their aspirations for independence and justice amidst an ongoing struggle for power and representation.