Srinagar, Dhokmanpura, Indian-administered Kashmir: In a harrowing account emerging from the high-altitude summer pastures known locally as Dhoks in Indian-administered Kashmir, dozens of tribal herders have alleged systematic harassment, assault, and forced evictions at the hands of the Indian Army. The accusations were brought to light by social activist Talib Hussain, who spoke exclusively to The Azadi Times on behalf of the affected Gujjar-Bakarwal community in the Dhokmanpura region.
“We built the outposts, now we’re being driven out”
According to Hussain, more than 40 to 45 residents, including elders and youth from the summer grazing areas of Dhokmanpura, Seri Bal, Oxar, and Dhokman, were forcibly summoned around noon on 26 July to a newly constructed military outpost. Ironically, the residents claim they had themselves transported the materials and assisted in building this very post, acting under military orders.
Instead of receiving compensation or gratitude, they allege that soldiers, led by a man identifying himself as “Major Feroz,” brutally assaulted them for hours.
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“They called the villagers, made them sit, and beat them with rods and sticks from 12 PM to 4 PM,” said Hussain. “The beatings were so vicious that one young man, Mohammad Azam, lost consciousness. The officer allegedly ordered his men to ‘throw him into the kaar’ — a local term used by Gujjar tribes for rocky ravines in the Himalayas.”
Azam was later rescued by other villagers and survived the ordeal, but at least 11 people sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures and head wounds. The Azadi Times has reviewed video evidence and testimonies corroborating the injuries.
“Clear these pastures – the Army will stay here now”
The motive, villagers allege, is part of a broader campaign to evict tribal herders from their ancestral summer pastures. They claim the Army repeatedly pressured them to vacate the Dhoks, suggesting that the military — or corporations — plans to take control of these strategic lands in the Himalayas.
“This is not just an abuse of power — it is a silent land grab,” Hussain told us. “They want to push out the Gujjars and give our meadows to private corporations under the guise of national security.”
According to the activist, residents were earlier given assurances by a top police official (DIG), who promised that there would be no further harassment. A contact number for his PA (PA to DIG) was also provided — C7006614964 — but villagers claim that the situation has only worsened since.
Names of the Injured
Below is a partial list of individuals reportedly injured during the assault:
Shaukat Ali, son of Mohammad Yousaf (Mughla Kala Ghoth)
Ghulam Qadir, son of Mohammad Qasim Khatana
Mohammad Azam, son of Mohammad Iqbal Koli
Faiz, son of Masih Koli
Liaqat Ali, son of Mohammad Riaz
Ahmed, son of Abdul Rasheed
Shabir Ahmed, son of Makhia (Khatana caste)
Mohammad Hanif, son of Mohammad Iqbal Awan
Mohammad Mukhtar, son of Abdul Latif Awan
Mohammad Younis, resident of Mughla Kala Ghoth
Several of these men are unable to walk due to severe beatings. Videos shared with The Azadi Times show broken limbs, bruised backs, and accounts of being dragged by mules overnight to the Harwan Police Station, fearing retaliation or being shot if seen in daylight.
A Broader Pattern of Militarisation?
The incident has raised urgent questions about the militarisation of tribal lands, especially in ecologically sensitive areas traditionally inhabited by Gujjar and Bakarwal pastoral communities during summer.
“We buried one of our elders just two days ago, and now we’re being told our land isn’t ours,” said one of the residents. “They are trying to erase our identity and claim our mountains.”
Hussain also referenced an earlier report involving alleged custodial abuse of a 14-year-old boy named Shabir inside the Satwari Police Station, suggesting that such cases are becoming part of a systemic trend of repression under the guise of security and development.
Hussain has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu & Kashmir, senior Army officials, and India’s Chief Minister to immediately investigate the incident, remove the Army outpost from the Dhokmanpura region, and ensure accountability for what he described as “a grave violation of human and tribal rights.”
“I am not against the Army,” said Hussain. “But when officers like this Major think they can act like corporate agents and crush poor herders under boots, then someone must stand up. This is about our existence.”
The Azadi Times reached out to the Indian Army’s local PRO office for comment. At the time of publishing, no official statement had been issued.
The Azadi Times continues to monitor this developing story. For updates, follow us at azaditimes.com.
