SRINAGAR: As foreign diplomats embark on a guided visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), thousands of Indian security personnel have been deployed in Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam districts, effectively turning the region into a militarized zone.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this heavy-handed approach coincides with the start of the second phase of the controversial assembly elections today.
Indian authorities have imposed strict restrictions and implemented advanced surveillance measures throughout the territory. Drones monitor sensitive areas, CCTV cameras are positioned at strategic locations, and vehicle checkpoints rigorously inspect movement. Random identity checks are conducted, while mobile phone services and internet connectivity are monitored to identify potential dissent.
Locals describe the atmosphere as “suffocating,” feeling trapped in their own land. The restrictions have caused significant inconvenience, limiting access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Many businesses have suffered, with numerous shops and markets closing due to the overwhelming military presence.
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This is not the first instance of such restrictions in Kashmir. Previous measures have raised alarms about the suppression of dissenting voices and the erosion of fundamental rights. The region has faced ongoing human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances.
