Indian forces intensify crackdown along Srinagar-Jammu Highway
Restrictions tightened in Reasi ahead of Modi’s visit for rail link inauguration
Srinagar: Indian authorities have increased military deployment and so-called security measures along the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), further tightening control over civilian movement.
According to Kashmir Media Service, additional personnel from the Indian Army, Centre Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police have been deployed at key points in Kathua and Udhampur districts, through which the strategic highway passes. Dozens of new checkpoints have been set up to monitor the movement of vehicles and people.
Sniffer dogs and advanced surveillance tools are being used to scan vehicles entering the Kashmir Valley, intensifying the already suffocating atmosphere in the occupied territory.
While Indian officials claim that the so-called security clampdown is in response to recent attacks and ongoing cordon and search operations, ground realities suggest otherwise. Locals view the intensified measures as a deliberate attempt to instill fear, suppress dissent, and force Kashmiris to abandon their just struggle for the UN-mandated right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, restrictions in the name of security measures have been heightened in Reasi ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Indian media reports that Modi is scheduled to visit the district on April 19 to inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.