Pakistan Army Encroachments Datot Threaten Women

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I am Waheeda, a Kashmiri woman observing the unfolding events in Datot. The ongoing Pakistan Army encroachments Datot leave me deeply unsettled—public land meant for healthcare and community use is being overtaken, women’s safety is at risk, and local voices are ignored. Though I am not from Datot, I cannot stay silent while civilian rights and safety are threatened.

Pakistan Army Encroachments Threaten Public Spaces

The construction of a new check post near the region’s only dispensary highlights a broader issue in Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir: military priorities often overshadow civilian needs. Public spaces, especially those providing essential services like healthcare, are meant to serve the community. When the Army occupies these areas without consultation, access to services is disrupted, and local ownership is undermined.

The dispensary near the new check post is heavily used by women seeking medical care. Many women visit alone, as their husbands or male family members work abroad. The presence of a militarized installation nearby compromises both privacy and safety. Locals also report past incidents where women were misled or taken to unauthorized locations, creating fear and anger. These encroachments are not just about land—they intrude into women’s lives, autonomy, and dignity.

Women’s Dignity at Risk

As a Kashmiri woman, I am particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact on women. A militarized check post adjacent to a healthcare facility violates privacy and threatens the comfort and safety of female patients. The Pakistan Army’s encroachment into public spaces intended for women’s healthcare reflects a troubling pattern: women’s needs are consistently overlooked in militarized zones.

Sacred Lands Must Be Respected

Part of the land being encroached reportedly includes a Muslim cemetery. Sacred spaces like cemeteries should never be compromised for military purposes. Taking over communal or religious land erodes trust, damages cultural heritage, and fuels resentment. Across AJK, similar complaints have been raised, including Pakistan Army occupation of farmland, restricted civilian access, and impacts on local livelihoods. These patterns reveal a troubling trend: civilian needs are repeatedly deprioritized when militarization expands.