Occupation troops intensify crackdown in IIOJK ahead of India’s Independence Day
Srinagar: Indian forces’ personnel have intensified their crackdown in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by arresting numerous youths and summoning hundreds to police stations and military camps under the guise of security measures ahead of India’s Independence Day, August 15, further exacerbating the hardships faced by the Kashmiris.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian troops, paramilitary, and police personnel have ramped up vehicle checks and random frisking of passengers and pedestrians across the occupied territory. The increased presence of Indian forces’ personnel is being felt acutely as troops and police are deployed in large numbers.
In a series of cordon and search operations and house raids, Indian forces have arrested and interrogated hundreds of youths in various districts, including Srinagar, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, Islamabad, Kulgam, Shopian, Ramban, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Doda, Samba, and Reasi. The oppressive measures have also included extensive checking and frisking at multiple locations.
A Hurriyat activist in Srinagar stated that Indian police and military personnel have effectively caged the population, issuing threats to remain silent, avoid assembling, and refrain from participating in any local or social issues. Failure to comply is met with the threat of severe repercussions under draconian laws.
The Indian troops, emboldened by their unchecked powers under these black laws, continue to target, arrest, and terrorize innocent Kashmiri youth in a blatant attempt to crush the ongoing struggle for the right to self-determination through a UN-mandated plebiscite.
