Heightened militarization in IIOJK as Indian forces expand surveillance, intelligence grid
Srinagar: Indian authorities have intensified their militaristic posture in South Kashmir, pushing for an expanded surveillance and intelligence grid under the garb of countering so-called “anti-national elements.”
According to Kashmir Media Service, Deputy Inspector General of Police for South Kashmir Range, Javaid Iqbal Mattoo, during a high-level review meeting in Pulwama, emphasized the need to strengthen intelligence networks, enhance coordination among multiple agencies, and intensify “area domination” operations. These directives reflect a continued pattern of intrusive policing and widespread monitoring of civilian populations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, attended by senior police and investigative officers, focused on reviewing crime trends, ongoing investigations, and so-called counter-terrorism strategies.
However, observers note that such reviews routinely translate into increased cordon-and-search operations (CASOs), arbitrary raids, and heightened restrictions on civilian movement, particularly in already vulnerable districts like Pulwama.
