Report – Webinar on “The New Domicile Law and the Future of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”

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On the eve of one year of illegal re-annexation of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir by India, the India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies organized a webinar titled “The New Domicile Law and the Future of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir” on August 5, 2020. Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir graced the occasion asthe chief guest. Other speakers included Prof. Dr. Sikandar Shah, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Prof. Dr. Noman Hanif, University London, Mirza SaaibBaig, a Kashmiri lawyer and a candidate of Public Policy atOxford Universityand Prof Dr. Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi, Director, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar.

In his opening remarks, the Director, India Study Centre, Dr.Saif Malik highlighted the significance of the webinar in view of the one year of illegal re-annexationof the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK) by the Indian government.  It was on August 5, 2019 that Indian government deprived the Kashmiri people of special rights and privileges under article 370 and 35A. At the same time, strict curfew and internet blockade in IoJK was imposed.  Covid-19 further deteriorated the situation. The heavy military presence and inhuman practices are meant to prevent people from coming out in protest and to change the demography as a long-term policy. This long-term policy is exemplified by the introduction of the New Domicile Law which has opened floodgates for non-Kashmiris to settle in IoJK. 

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