In the name of “security, Indian authorities have imposed a ruthless lockdown across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) ahead of India’s Republic day today on January 26, subjecting residents to constant searches, frisking, heavy surveillance and overwhelming military deployment, paralyzing normal life.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a multi-layered security grid has been established across the Kashmir Valley, with large deployments of Indian police and central armed paramilitary forces stationed at sensitive locations, major roads, markets, and public areas.
Additional checkpoints have been set up and residents and commuters are being subjected to repeated frisking and inspections.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V. K. Birdi, stated that extensive security arrangements have been finalized around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, the venue for the main Republic Day function.
He added that aerial surveillance using drones is also part of the plan. “Sensitive areas in Kashmir have seen heightened security, including road blockades, vehicle checks, security cordons, and search operations,” he said.
Indian forces’ personnel have intensified vehicle searches and identity checks, particularly in all the 20 districts of territory including Srinagar and other major towns.
Movement on key roads particularly near the Line of Control is being closely monitored, causing traffic disruptions and inconvenience to civilians.
Night raids and patrolling have also been stepped up in several areas as part of what authorities describe as preventive security measures.
“To further bolster security, advanced surveillance technologies, including drones and high-resolution CCTV cameras, have been deployed to monitor official event venues,” he said, adding that checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and other towns and district headquarters, particularly at key entry points.
Residents say the recurring security clampdown ahead of Indian national events has turned daily life into an ordeal of harassment and fear. They maintain that the presence of heavily armed forces, constant frisking and surveillance underline the militarized nature of the occupation rather than any genuine public celebration.
Kashmiris observe such occasions under heavy restrictions, viewing them as reminders of prolonged repression and denial of political rights in the occupied territory.
The officials said heightened surveillance has been enforced in key areas, including Gurez, Uri, Karnah, Tangdhar and other areas in the Jammu region.