Indian police carried out extensive inspections of SIM card vendors across various districts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the crackdowns were launched simultaneously in Shopian, Pulwama, Islamabad, Baramulla and Kupwara districts. Officials claimed that the drives were aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines.
However, observers believe that the actual intent behind these operations is to intimidate vendors and discourage them from issuing SIM cards to Kashmiris perceived to hold views contrary to the Indian narrative on the Kashmir dispute. Such actions, they note, are being justified under the pretext of “ensuring public safety and national stability”.
In Shopian, police conducted a district-wide crackdown under the supervision of SSP, focusing on identifying and penalising vendors accused of unauthorized SIM distribution. Surprise inspections were carried out at several telecom outlets across the district.
In Pulwama town, police undertook a comprehensive verification drive of SIM vendors, checking outlets and franchise points. In Awantipora area of Pulwama, drives led by SDPOs, SHOs, and police post in-charges included detailed inspections and raids on SIM sale points.
Similarly, in Islamabad, multiple police teams carried out coordinated inspections, warning vendors that any violation of regulations would attract strict legal action.
In Sopore town of Baramulla district, police teams conducted inspections at many telecom outlets, while in Handwara area of Kupwara, checks were carried out at SIM sale points in Qalamabad, Kralgund, and Vilgam under the supervision of senior officers.
Observers describe these coordinated actions as part of a wider surveillance strategy aimed at monitoring communication networks and tightening control over civilian activities in IIOJK.
