The conflict in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to produce painful stories that raise serious questions about human rights, civilian safety, and the conduct of military operations. A recent incident in Kulgam district has once again brought international attention to the suffering of ordinary Kashmiris who find themselves trapped between militarization and fear. According to reports, Indian troops used civilians as human shields during a cordon and search operation (CASO), resulting in a local villager being critically injured after a bear attack inside a mountain cave.

The incident reportedly took place in the Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam, where Indian forces launched a siege and search operation. During the operation, local residents claimed that several young men from the village were detained and forced to accompany troops into dangerous mountainous terrain. Among them was Mohammad Jahangir Malik, a resident of Khull village, who later suffered severe injuries after being tortured.

According to Malik’s account, troops from the 9 Rashtriya Rifles forced him to enter and inspect a cave while soldiers remained at a distance. He stated that despite warning the troops about the possibility of wild animals inside, he was still ordered to proceed. Moments later, he was attacked by a bear that mauled his face, head, and leg, leaving him critically injured. He was initially treated in Kulgam before being shifted to a hospital in Srinagar, where he underwent emergency treatment and reconstructive surgery. Doctors reportedly confirmed that the injuries were consistent with a bear attack.

The incident has sparked outrage among human rights observers and local residents, who see it as another example of civilians being exposed to danger during military operations. International humanitarian law clearly prohibits the use of civilians as human shields in conflict zones. Under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, forcing civilians into military situations to protect armed personnel or assist in operations can amount to a war crime.

This incident is not viewed as an isolated event. The region has witnessed repeated use of excessive force, arbitrary detentions, and civilian mistreatment over the years. Human rights organizations and international observers have frequently expressed concern over the lack of accountability in the territory. Reports documenting abuses, disappearances, and violence have continued to emerge despite official denials and security justifications.

The Kulgam incident also revives memories of earlier controversies involving the use of civilians during military operations in Kashmir. One of the most widely discussed cases occurred in 2017, when a Kashmiri civilian was tied to the front of a military jeep and driven through villages as a warning to protesters. The incident generated widespread criticism internationally and intensified debate over the methods employed during the siege and search operations in the region.

Local families affected by such operations often remain silent due to fear of reprisals. In the latest case, relatives of the injured villager reportedly said that troops had taken him from his home shortly after dawn prayers despite their pleas to spare him. Fear and uncertainty continue to dominate daily life in many areas where military presence remains heavy and search operations are frequent.

Critics argue that the continued militarization of the region has created an atmosphere where ordinary civilians are increasingly vulnerable. Search operations, checkpoints, raids, and surveillance have become a regular part of life for many residents. In such an environment, even basic activities can suddenly turn dangerous. The Kulgam tragedy highlights how civilians often bear the greatest burden of a prolonged conflict that shows little sign of resolution.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the incident also reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. Decades of political unrest and armed conflict have deeply affected Kashmiri society. Families continue to live under uncertainty, while young people grow up amid violence, restrictions, and fear. Incidents like the one in Kulgam deepen feelings of alienation and resentment, further complicating efforts toward peace and reconciliation.

As news of the incident spreads, many observers believe that silence from the international community will only encourage further abuses. Human rights defenders insist that civilian lives must not become expendable in the name of security operations. They argue that lasting peace can never be achieved through fear, coercion, or intimidation.

The story of Mohammad Jahangir Malik is therefore not just the story of one injured villager. It represents the painful reality faced by countless civilians living in conflict zones where the line between security operations and human suffering often becomes blurred. His injuries serve as a reminder that behind political disputes and military narratives are ordinary people whose lives are permanently changed by violence and instability.

The writer is a student of Political science at the University of Punjab. Currently she is a research associate at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, Islamabad.