In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the administration under the New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor has further tightened restrictions ahead of India’s Republic Day under the pretext of security, worsening the hardships of Kashmiris who are already enduring Indian repression. According to Kashmir Media Service, India celebrates its Republic Day every year on January 26.

However, this country, which claims to be the world’s largest democracy, has suppressed the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination for 78 years through military force, while Indian troops continue to commit brutal atrocities against Kashmiris for demanding freedom.  The IIOJK administration has intensified cordon and search operations and restrictions under the guise of ensuring the peaceful conduct of the so-called Republic Day celebrations.

Large numbers of Indian military, paramilitary, and police personnel have been deployed in Srinagar and other major cities and towns of the occupied Kashmir Valley. Strict security measures have been imposed on all major highways and roads, including the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Indian personnel are patrolling sensitive areas continuously, while CCTV and drone cameras are being used to monitor public movement.

Checkpoints have been set up where vehicles, passengers, and pedestrians are being subjected to rigorous searches, further aggravating the daily struggles of local residents.  The Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the main so-called Republic Day event will take place, has been completely cordoned off by Indian forces.  Beyound the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu region is also under heightened security. In the Sonar and Chatroo areas of Kishtwar district, search operations are ongoing for the fifth consecutive day.

Similar operations are also underway in the districts of Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi. In Jammu district, strict security arrangements have also been imposed. Indian forces carried out large-scale searches yesterday in the Bhatindi, Narwal, Rajiv Nagar and other areas on the outskirts of Jammu city, focusing on slum settlements largely inhabited by Rohingya & Bangladeshi Muslims. 

It is worth noting that Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world observe India’s Republic Day as a Black Day. The purpose is to send a clear message to the international community that India is illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir and that Kashmiris will continue their struggle for freedom until the occupation ends. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)