SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): Indian authorities have tightened restrictions across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) with the deployment of additional troops, establishment of extra checkpoints, and an increase in patrols and searches.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in Srinagar, vehicles are being subjected to thorough searches at additional checkpoints set up at key locations across the city.
Occupants of cars and other vehicles are being frisked, causing inconvenience and anxiety among residents.
Similar reports of checking and extra vigilance have been received from several districts across the Kashmir Valley, with additional checkpoints, night patrols, and surveillance activities being carried out in both urban and rural areas.
Indian forces are conducting random checks of vehicles and individuals, particularly along major roads, highways and other locations.
Personnel from the Indian army, paramilitary forces and police have also intensified frisking, vehicle checks, and surveillance in Kulgam along the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
Reports of intense checking have also emerged from Ramban and other places along the highway.
Senior Indian officials claimed that intensified vehicle and individual checks are being conducted at “strategic locations”, while coordinated patrols and so-called area domination exercises had been expanded in other areas.
They said the drives would continue as required, based on what they described as security assessments and ground conditions.
“The measures are precautionary in nature and aimed preventing any untoward incidents. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with forces during the heightened security arrangements,” a senior officer said.
Officials described the increased vigil as part of a so-called security exercise to maintain law and order. However, such measures have become a permanent feature of everyday life in IIOJK.
Kashmir watchers
Kashmir watchers maintain that the real objective of these so-called security measures is to harass and intimidate pro-freedom Kashmiris, and to coerce them into abandoning their legitimate struggle for the inalienable right to self-determination, as recognized by the United Nations.
