“Even though the government intends to provide benefits to us by creating these new IDs, their authoritarian behavior towards the people of J&K has made us doubt their intention,” he added.
‘Lack of trust’
Kashmir is claimed in full but is ruled in part by India and Pakistan, which have fought two wars over the region.
The crackdown on an Islamist militant insurgency and public protests against Indian rule in the region have killed thousands, mostly in the 1990s, when violence peaked.
Since its special status was revoked, hundreds more civilians, security personnel and terrorists have been killed.
Anticipating protests following the move, authorities imposed a curfew, shut down the internet for a long period of time and tightened security.
Since 2020, the government has required everyone in Jammu and Kashmir to apply for a domicile certificate that allows them to vote in local elections, buy farm and houses, and apply for public universities and jobs.
Unsure of the intentions of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, many residents, especially Muslims, have not signed up for these certificates.
The new Family ID has made people even more careful.
Opposition leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a tweet, “Creating ‘a unique family ID’ for residents of J&K is a sign of the growing trust deficit post 2019.”
“Kashmiris are viewed with deep suspicion and this is yet another surveillance tactic to tighten the iron grip on their lives.”
digital exclusion
Activists say issues surrounding India’s national Aadhaar digital ID have exposed risks of inclusion and data leaks.
India introduced Aadhaar in 2009 to streamline welfare payments and reduce wastage in public expenditure. Since then, it has become mandatory for everything from using a SIM card to filing taxes to receiving welfare benefits.
Yet millions of Indians do not have Aadhaar, including large numbers of homeless, transgender and indigenous tribal people who do not have a permanent address, or other documents required for registration.
Security researchers and journalists have also reported multiple vulnerabilities and data leaks associated with the program, although officials have dismissed the reports and said the biometric data was safe from hacking.