The authorities have deployed Indian troops and police personnel in strength across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the name of security measures ahead of India’s Independence Day, 15th August, adding to the miseries of the people.
Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel have stepped up checking of vehicles and random frisking of passengers and pedestrians across the territory, especially around the venues of the Independence Day functions, subjecting the people to immense discomfort. A multi-layer security arrangement with both ground and aerial surveillance has been thrown across the territory, particularly in Srinagar. Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar where the official function is to be held has been fortified with the deployment of paramilitary troops, new bunkers and barricades. The stadium is also being monitored by drones.
The troops and police personnel have estab-lished special check-points across Srinagar. Drones and CCTV cameras mounted on forces’ vehicles and buildings are being used to keep a watch on the movement of the people. Indian forces’ personnel have been deployed on the high-rise buildings while sniffer dogs are also being used to maintain a tight vigil.
Additional deployment of Indian forces’ per-sonnel has been made along highways and critical road intersections. Multiple checkpoints have been established along the Srinagar-Jammu highway and drones are being used to closely monitor commuter movement.
Reports said Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a strict vigil on the activities of some media persons who are not toeing the Modi government’s line in the occupied territory.
On the other hand, in its nefarious attempts to Indianise the IIOJK, the Narendra Modi-led Indian government has asked all residents of the territory to hoist the Indian flag at their homes on August 15. It has directed the government employees to participate in the celebrations besides changing their profile picture on social media accounts to a selfie with an image of ‘Jhanda, Mitti and Diya’ (flag, soil and earthen lamp). All educational institutions have also been asked to remain open. The educational institutions have been further directed to organise Indian national anthem singing and essay, debate and sports competitions to mark the day.
All these diktats were issued several days ago in a meeting chaired by chief secretary of IIOJK A.K. Mehta in Srinagar on July 26.—KMS
