Indian authorities have imposed strict restrictions across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as part of a massive military clampdown ahead of India’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15.
Indian police, paramilitary and intelligence agencies have set up multi-layered military cordons, road checkpoints and surveillance networks to prevent anti-India protests.
In Sopore town, Senior Superintendent of Police Iftikhar Talib said foolproof arrangements were in place to “ensure peaceful celebrations,” with Indian armed forces on high alert to thwart any incident.
The SSP said build-up programmes would continue until August 15 under intensified troop deployment.
Local residents, however, said that the so-called celebrations are being enforced under intimidation, with troops conducting aggressive searches and questioning civilians. The movement of people is being closely monitored, while drones and CCTV surveillance have been intensified across the territory.
The measures come as part of New Delhi’s annual military lockdown to stifle public dissent, amid a complete ban on gatherings or demonstrations that could challenge India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
