The Indian army and police establishment have tightened restrictions in the name of security ahead of India’s Republic Day on January 26, adding to the miseries of the oppressed people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian forces, including army, paramilitary, and police personnel, have stepped up searches of vehicles and passengers in all towns, villages, and highways, including the Srinagar–Jammu highway, making the situation more unbearable and life of Kashmiris more miserable. 

In several towns of the valley, including Srinagar, Indian forces have set up check-posts where vehicles and motorcyclists are being stopped and passengers interrogated and searched. 

Indian police have summoned and interrogated hundreds of youth, including Hurriyat activists, in different police stations across the territory, while Muslim League leader Hayat Ahmed Butt, who was released two months ago after six years in Kothbalwal Jail Jammu, has been arrested again under the draconian Public Safety Act and shifted to Udhampur sub-jail Jammu. 

India’s so-called Republic Day brings more problems and hardships for Kashmiris. As every year, the authorities have imposed strict restrictions in the valley several days before January 26.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)