Indian authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, banning political protests and intensifying lockdown today on August 5, the day marking seven years since New Delhi revoked the territory’s special status in 2019. According to Kashmir Media Service, heavy deployments of Indian police, Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other paramilitary personnel have been made across the occupied territory, particularly in Srinagar, Budgam, Sopore, Jammu and other sensitive areas.

Additional checkpoints have been established on the Srinagar-Jammu and Jammu-Pathankot highways, where forces’ personnel are conducting extensive vehicle searches, frisking commuters and verifying identities. The authorities have categorically denied permission to any political party or organization to hold demonstrations, warning that anyone participating in or organizing protests will face strict legal action. Police officials said no protest, procession or public gathering would be permitted without prior approval from the competent authority.

The restrictions came after the All Parties Hurriyat Conference called for a shutdown and the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress announced separate protest programmes to observe August 5 as “Black Day” against India’s illegal action of August 5, 2019. Security has also been strengthened around government buildings, district headquarters, vital installations and border areas, where surveillance, patrolling and area domination exercises have been intensified.

Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been deployed at strategic locations, while police and paramilitary personnel remain on high alert to prevent any public assembly. Officials said all district administrations and police units have been directed to ensure that no unauthorized gathering takes place. Residents have been warned against participating in demonstrations, with authorities threatening legal action against violators.

Political analysts and civil society observers said the extensive clampdown and prohibition on peaceful political activity reflect New Delhi’s continued reliance on coercive measures to suppress dissent in the occupied territory. They said the deployment of thousands of troops, coupled with intensified surveillance, checkpoints and restrictions on movement, has once again disrupted normal life across the occupied territory and reinforced the atmosphere of fear and intimidation surrounding the anniversary of the August 5, 2019, actions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)