In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian forces have intensified restrictions, frisking, and search operations across several areas in the name of security arrangements weeks ahead of India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2027, further tightening the grip on civilian life in the disputed territory. 

According to Kashmir Media Service, joint teams of Indian police, army, and paramilitary forces are carrying out intensive frisking and searches in and around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, the main venue for Republic Day and Independence Day functions in the occupied territory.

The forces sealed adjoining localities, including Amirakadal and Maharaja Bazaar, subjecting residents, shopkeepers, and passersby to repeated checks and movement restrictions. The occupation forces used sniffer dogs, metal detectors, and specialised units to conduct sweeping searches of residential and commercial areas.

Similar sweeps were extended to Lal Chowk, including the Clock Tower area, where people were frisked and traffic movement was intermittently halted, causing inconvenience to the public. Residents complained that the repeated cordons, identity checks, and visible deployment of armed personnel have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. The intensified vigilance was not limited to Srinagar.

In the Jammu region, Indian forces carried out additional cordon-and-search operations in Ghagwal and Samba district. Similar search operations were reported from Singhpura area of Kishtwar in the Chenab Valley, several villages in Rajouri district, and the Surankote sector of Poonch in the Pir Panjal region. 

Indian forces are maintaining heightened surveillance across the occupied territory, with intensified patrolling, vehicle checking, and door-to-door searches becoming routine. Locals say these so-called security measures are being used to justify collective punishment and harassment of the civilians.  Meanwhile, Indian forces continued the massive cordon-and-search operation in the forest belt of Udhampur district.

The operation, backed by sniffer dogs, aerial surveillance and additional troop deployment, entered its second day as joint teams of police and paramilitary forces expanded the cordon to nearly a ten-kilometre stretch, covering Chore Motu and adjoining forest villages. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)