India’s Republic Day being marked by sweeping clampdown across IIOJK
#Jan26BlackDayForKashmiris
Srinagar: Indian authorities have imposed an extensive, multi-layered security clampdown across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the India’s 77th Republic Day, today, turning major cities—particularly Jammu and Srinagar—into heavily fortified zones amid heightened surveillance, searches and speculative operations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Jammu, the winter capital, witnessed unprecedented restrictions the Republic Day function is scheduled at Maulana Azad Stadium. The venue and surrounding areas are fully barricaded, with heavy deployment of police, Central Reserve Police Force and other paramilitary forces. Surveillance drones, spotters and Quick Reaction Teams are positioned at strategic points, while checkpoints have been set up across the city to monitor movement.
Restrictions have also been intensified across the Jammu region, with joint operations involving police, army, Border Security Force and other agencies along the Working Boundary, Line of Control and hinterland areas. Authorities have directed strict implementation of so-called “Operation Third Eye,” alongside verification drives, patrolling and counter-insurgency operations, particularly in hilly and border areas.
Joint patrols by police and Village Defence Guards are being carried out in Pargwal, Malla Bharore and adjoining areas, with officials citing Republic Day security as the justification.
Meanwhile, Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) continued in parts of Kathua and Kishtwar districts, with senior officers visiting the areas amid claims of “suspicious movement.”
At the same time, a sharp escalation in restrictions was reported in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley. Officials said speculative CASOs were launched in Old Srinagar and other sensitive localities based on “specific inputs.” These operations included night raids, area domination and limited house-to-house searches, accompanied by intensified surveillance.
Additional checkpoints and mobile nakas have been established across Srinagar, especially at entry and exit points and in densely populated areas. Police and other forces are carrying out repeated frisking of pedestrians and commuters, along with random identity checks and vehicle inspections, causing inconvenience to residents.
Security has been significantly beefed up around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the city-level Republic Day function is scheduled. The entire perimeter has been placed under a tight, multi-tier security cordon, with CCTV coverage, drone monitoring, metal detectors and strict access control. Traffic restrictions and diversions have also been imposed in adjoining areas.
Kashmiris continue to view these occasions under heavy restrictions as reminders of prolonged repression and unresolved political dispute in the occupied territory.
