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Delhi Bombing‍ Prompts Indian Security Crackdown, Raises Fears of Escalation ​and Increased Scrutiny of Kashmiris

New ⁤Delhi, India – Following a⁤ bomb blast in New Delhi on Monday, the Indian government has declared the incident an “act of terror” and initiated a widespread investigation, sparking concerns about potential escalation with Pakistan and⁢ a surge in harassment targeting ⁢Kashmiri Muslims across India.The blast, which occurred on [Date not explicitly stated in text, but implied to be around November 15, 2025], has prompted a security response described by ​observers as “very professional.”

India’s ⁢response is elaborate by its recently adopted security doctrine, which frames acts of terror as acts of war. Political analyst and‍ author Sumit Ganguly​ cautioned this approach represents “a dangerous,⁣ slippery slope,” possibly leading to “serious ​military escalation” between ⁢India⁣ and pakistan. Ganguly, author of Kashmir at the ⁢Crossroads: ​Inside a 21st-Century Conflict ‍(2021), also noted the doctrine appears aimed at ⁣appealing to domestic audiences,⁣ a way of demonstrating “muscular⁢ strength” under the ​Modi governance. The book itself is ​banned in ‌Kashmir.

A controversial element‌ of the​ Indian government’s response has‍ been the ‍use of the term “white-collar terrorism” to describe potential involvement ​by Kashmiri professionals. Analysts warn this‍ rhetoric risks ⁢conflating Kashmiri Muslims with armed rebels operating in‍ the region. “The term doesn’t make sense‍ to me, but ⁣it does put the ‍needle of​ suspicion⁤ on young, ‌educated Muslim professionals,” ⁣said⁣ Ganguly.⁤ He argued that militants‌ in Kashmir originate ‍from ⁢diverse⁤ socioeconomic backgrounds -​ “from rural farming families,working-class backgrounds,to ⁢educated professionals” – reflecting widespread discontent within the ​region.

The ⁢use of this terminology is also raising concerns about its potential economic impact ​on Kashmiri Muslims ⁣living in India. ‍ Editor and journalist Aarti Bhasin⁣ stated⁣ the government’s posture will likely lead to “adverse economic impact ⁤for ​Kashmiri Muslims and further ghettoisation, where they find it harder to⁤ get jobs or a place to‍ rent.”

Reports are emerging‌ of increased harassment ​and intimidation of Kashmiri ⁢Muslims across northern India in the wake ⁢of the ⁤Delhi blast. Nasir Khuehami, national⁣ convener‌ of a⁢ Kashmiri student association, reported receiving numerous calls from Kashmiri Muslims facing‍ demands to⁤ vacate their homes and experiencing active profiling. “Across northern Indian states, Kashmiris are being‌ asked ⁣to vacate their homes, there is active profiling going​ on,⁣ and everyone is so scared,” Khuehami told⁤ Al Jazeera.

This pattern of harassment ⁣-‌ where ​attacks in Kashmir ⁣or by⁢ Kashmiri rebels ​are ⁣followed by abuse of ‌Kashmiri‍ Muslims in India – is not new. Khuehami called for “confidence-building measures” from the government to break‌ “this endless cycle of crises.”⁢ He warned that the Modi government’s current approach‍ risks marginalizing Kashmiris⁤ in India, potentially playing into the hands of Pakistan, which India⁤ accuses ‍of seeking to control ​Kashmir.

[Image: A supporter of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds a placard during a rally expressing solidarity with the Indian armed forces, in Srinagar, on may 15, 2025, following a ceasefire between Pakistan and India [Tauseef Mustafa/AFP]]