Pseudo-Activism Cripples Infrastructure Projects in J&K
Infrastructure Projects Held Hostage
Pseudo-Activism Cripples Infrastructure
Projects in J&K
“Pseudo-activists exploiting the guise of
social work are obstructing infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir,
harassing contractors, inflating costs and delaying development that the region
urgently needs.”
Peerzada Mohsin Shafi
Infrastructure projects are the foundation of any
region’s development. Roads, bridges, power plants, tunnels water supply
schemes and public utilities create jobs improve connectivity and strengthen
the economy. In Jammu and Kashmir, different infrastructures projects such the
widening of national highways, construction of hydropower plants and extensive
rural road schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana are transforming
the region. These projects are critical not only for economic growth but also
for improving the daily lives of citizens by connecting remote areas, providing
reliable power, and promoting trade. Yet alongside these developments a
worrying trend has emerged that threatens progress and undermines public trust.
Whenever a significant infrastructure project is
launched, certain individuals who claim to be social activists appear on the
scene. Under the guise of civic concern, they begin to interfere with the work,
often demanding money or concessions from construction companies and
contractors in exchange for silence or favourable coverage. They threaten
negative publicity, legal complaints or orchestrated protests if their demands
are not met. This pattern of pseudo-activism is alarming because it delays
work, increases costs and weakens the confidence communities place in
development initiatives.
These pseudo activists often claim to represent public
interest or to protect environmental, labour or cultural concerns. However, in
many cases their allegations are exaggerated or fabricated to extract personal
gains. Companies have in some instances been forced to hire unskilled workers
or make unnecessary concessions due to pressure from these individuals who
claim to speak for the community. Such interference has delayed critical
projects and sometimes compromised the quality and safety of construction work.
For example, several hydropower projects in the Chenab Valley reported repeated
attempts by self-styled activists to impose unnecessary labour changes, which
delayed deadlines and raised costs.
The rise of pseudo-activism is rooted in several factors.
In the past, similar forms of opportunistic activism existed, but they were
limited in reach and visibility. Today, social media and technology have
amplified their impact. Self-styled activists use online platforms to publish
misinformation, create fake accounts to repeatedly amplify complaints and
orchestrate campaigns to blackmail or defame companies and officials. Abuse of
the Right to Information Act has also been reported, where trivial or repeated
RTI applications are filed not for transparency but to create pressure or
tarnish reputations. These individuals often claim to be experts or analysts in
technical matters without any formal training or understanding, exploiting
public trust for personal gain.
Several cases highlight the extent of this problem. In
Jammu City, a local digital portal uploaded a fabricated video outside a
prominent hotel and demanded payment to remove it. Police registered a case of
extortion and harassment. In Baramulla district, an individual posing as a
journalist repeatedly threatened municipal employees and project supervisors
for money in exchange for not posting defamatory content. Police arrested him
and booked him under criminal intimidation and extortion. Similar instances
across the union territory demonstrate how unverified media platforms and
self-styled activists exploit the lack of oversight to coerce companies and
officials. These acts not only harm the reputation of businesses but also
undermine the credibility of genuine journalism and legitimate civic activism.
The misuse of activism has broader consequences.
Infrastructure projects are delayed as contractors and officials spend time
addressing threats rather than focusing on work. Costs rise due to repeated
disruptions and investors may hesitate to commit resources, fearing undue
interference. Public funds are burdened and public confidence suffers when
development initiatives are held hostage by individuals misusing activism for
personal gain.
To address this challenge, the Jammu and Kashmir
administration must take decisive measures. First, a formal mechanism to
register and accredit individuals and organisations seeking to raise concerns
related to projects should be established. This would help distinguish genuine
activists from opportunistic actors who exploit activism for extortion. Second,
a structured grievance redressal system should be created, allowing
evidence-based complaints to be addressed through official channels within
clear timelines. This would prevent repeated complaints through fake accounts
or different channels from derailing projects.
Legislation is also necessary. A bill should define the
responsibilities and ethical standards for social activism, media reporting and
public engagement in development projects. It should include strict penalties
for coercion, extortion, misrepresentation and misuse of procedural laws such
as the RTI Act. Fast-track courts or special provisions could be considered to
ensure swift action against individuals who misuse activism or media
credentials for personal benefit. Enforcement of accreditation requirements for
journalists and activist groups is equally important. Only verified and
qualified individuals should be recognised to receive official briefings or
access to information.
Transparency must be strengthened. Accurate and complete
disclosure of project details, environmental assessments, land acquisition
plans, and community engagement reports should be publicly accessible. This
reduces the scope for misinformation and allows genuine concerns to be
addressed constructively. Contractors and project officials should be protected
from intimidation so they can execute work safely and efficiently. Genuine
civic participation should continue to be encouraged, but it must operate within
a framework that promotes accountability and does not impede development.
The threat posed by pseudo-activists is not limited to
individual projects. If unchecked, it could slow the overall pace of
infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, discourage investment and
erode public trust in governance. The rise of social media has made it easier
for these actors to amplify their demands and create artificial pressure, but
technology can also be leveraged to monitor and verify complaints, track
repeated submissions, and enforce accountability.
Genuine activism remains vital. True activists have
historically played an important role in highlighting environmental, labour,
and social issues. Their work has improved transparency, strengthened
governance, and held authorities accountable. The objective is not to stifle
civic engagement but to ensure that activism follows ethical standards,
respects legal boundaries, and does not obstruct essential development work. By
creating legal safeguards, formal accreditation, grievance redressal mechanisms
and transparency initiatives, the government can protect infrastructure
projects while maintaining space for meaningful public participation.
The future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on infrastructure
that strengthens lives and livelihoods while upholding ethical standards and
accountability. Pseudo-activism must be curbed to prevent development from
being held hostage by those who misuse the banner of activism for personal
benefit. A combination of legislative action, transparency, redressal
mechanisms and public awareness is essential to ensure that development
projects are executed efficiently and in the best interest of citizens.
Protecting infrastructure projects from manipulation will not only accelerate
growth but also restore confidence in governance, media and civic engagement in
the union territory.
