The BJP-led Indian regime has placed Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir under a heavy military blanket while falsely portraying the situation in the disputed territory as “normalcy.”According to Kashmir Media Service, in Srinagar and other parts of the occupied territory, Indian forces including army, paramilitary and police personnel—continue to conduct house raids, arrest youth, and carry out extensive frisking of pedestrians and vehicles.

These so-called search operations and the extraordinary military build-up have created chaos and confusion on roads across the Valley. Many cities and towns are gripped by panic, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and disrupting daily life.Armoured vehicles of Indian paramilitary forces and police have been deployed at major road junctions, where people are subjected to thorough checking.

Observers say the “normalcy” projected by Indian authorities in the Kashmir Valley resembles a large-scale military operation, with tens of thousands of Indian troops and police deployed across the territory. “What kind of democracy is this where people are not allowed to express their views or protest against injustice?” asked a student. He added that Kashmiris’ silent but firm demand for freedom has frustrated the BJP government, the Indian military establishment and the occupation administration.

“A war-like situation has been created, turning Kashmir into a garrison,” he said, adding that intensified military operations and house raids are being carried out under various pretexts, including anti-drug campaigns such as the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan’ and operations linked to natural resources such as mining and minerals. Kashmiris say these measures are aimed at crippling local businesses and weakening the territory’s economy. 

The recent visit of India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, to the Kashmir Valley has raised concerns among observers about possible preparations for a misadventure against Pakistan. During his three-day visit in early April, he reviewed operational preparedness in forward areas along the Line of Control, including Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts. 

Reports said he also met civil administration officials and pro-India political figures in Kupwara and Baramulla, where discussions reportedly focused on possible public responses in the event of escalation along the Line of Control. The report added that following meetings between the CDS and intelligence agencies, a renewed crackdown has been launched across the Valley. It further noted that mock drills were announced in April in both the Valley and LoC areas of Jammu.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)