Demographic Shift in Kashmir: A New Front in Pakistan's Long War?
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is facing a new challenge, one that goes beyond the armed conflict that has defined the region for decades. Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, has raised serious concerns about what he calls a coordinated effort to change the demographic character of the Union Territory through illegal infiltration and settlement. This comes as a high-level committee appointed by the Government of India visits the region to study these very changes.
Mr. Sharma, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), did not mince words in his assessment. He described this alleged demographic exercise as the 'part 2 of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.' In his view, the strategy has shifted from pure armed violence to a more insidious, long-term plan aimed at altering the very composition of the population in parts of the Union Territory.
What is the Alleged Strategy Behind the Demographic Shift?
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Mr. Sharma laid out his concerns in stark terms. He argued that the historical process of forced religious conversion by various invaders has now been replaced by a modern tactic of illegal settlement. 'Jammu and Kashmir was purely a Sanatani state. Turk (Turkish), Purtagalis (Portuguese) and Arabs -- invaders continued religious conversion using force,' he said, drawing a direct line from historical events to the militancy that erupted in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The BJP leader further alleged that after the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, attempts were made to erase the region's cultural and social identity. 'Culture was attacked but Government of India and nationalist people foiled such plot after a while,' he claimed. He now believes that after the failure of earlier strategies, a new conspiracy was launched. 'After they failed, they planned another conspiracy by infiltrating illegal citizens to J&K and other states of India. By this they wanted to create a demographic change,' he alleged.
Land Encroachment and the 'Unnatural Increase' of a Community
Mr. Sharma specifically pointed to land encroachment as a key tool in this alleged plot. He claimed that forest land, state land, and other properties are being occupied to facilitate the settlement of illegal immigrants. 'You will notice unnatural increase of a particular community,' he said, citing an example of a village where a community that had only one house in 2005 has seen its population swell to around 5,000 over the following two decades.
He described the process as 'land jihad,' a term that underscores the seriousness with which he views the situation. The Leader of Opposition stressed that this is not merely a social issue but a direct threat to the stability and sovereignty of the region.
What is the Government of India's Response?
The central government has taken note of these concerns. A High-Level Committee on Demographic Change, constituted on May 26, 2026, is currently in Jammu and Kashmir to study the demographic shifts, their causes, and consequences. The committee's mandate is to suggest policy and legal measures to address the issue.
Mr. Sharma expressed confidence in the committee's work, stating, 'GOI has taken these facts seriously and formed a committee on demographic change. Officials will now do unbiased fact finding.' He noted that while political parties were not directly invited to participate, stakeholders are being consulted to gather comprehensive information.
The committee's findings are expected to lead to stronger legal measures to protect the region's demographic stability. For many, this is a crucial step in safeguarding the cultural and social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir against what they see as a calculated external threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the High-Level Committee on Demographic Change?
The High-Level Committee was constituted by the Government of India on May 26, 2026, to study demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir, their causes and consequences, and to suggest policy and legal measures. It is currently visiting the region to interact with stakeholders.
Why is demographic change a concern in Jammu and Kashmir?
Leaders like Sunil Sharma argue that illegal infiltration and settlement are being used to alter the demographic composition of the region, which they see as a continuation of Pakistan's strategy to destabilize the area through non-military means.
What is 'land jihad'?
'Land jihad' is a term used by BJP leader Sunil Sharma to describe the alleged organized encroachment of land to facilitate the settlement of illegal immigrants, which he claims is aimed at changing the demographic character of Jammu and Kashmir.