Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir classified as the world’s most militarized zone as well as the largest region occupied by security forces, Kashmiris have been experiencing a level of violence for decades from the occupying forces. The visibility of forces in the Valley, mostly in Srinagar where the recent civilian attacks were concentrated, has been stepped up. The forces are also doing night domination. While the BSF has deployed an additional 25 companies in Kashmir, the CRPF too sent in reinforcements comprising 25 companies in the wake of the civilian attacks and will be deploying five more companies over the next week.
While the focus is to increase the boots on the ground with more policemen and para-military personnel in civilian areas, a source conceded that it remains a herculean task to ensure foolproof security to all the civilian settlements given how thickly populated and widely spread they are
Among the deterrent measures that are being used by the police and CRPF to nip terrorist attacks, particularly against easy targets, are putting up surprise or flash nakas, particularly in civilian areas, frisking of people, random checking of vehicles and deployment of drones to keep an eye on any suspicious movement or activity. “Over the past few days, we have been frisking around 15,000 people and checking 7,000-8,000 vehicles on a daily basis.
Now in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force has said that it was sending five more companies to the territory. These companies are in addition to the 50 companies recently deployed by the Indian government in the occupied territory to suppress the Kashmiris’ voice for right to self-determination. 30 of these companies have been deployed only in Srinagar. Reports said that these 5 companies of the CRPF will be deployed in IIOJK within a week.
Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti slammed the BJP-led Indian government for rushing additional companies of paramilitary Central Reserve Police force (CRPF) for deployment in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir saying the crisis needs a political and not a military solution. Following the recent surge in killings, New Delhi has reportedly sent 55 additional companies of CRPF for deployment in IIOJK over the past one month.
Reacting to the deployment of more CRPF personnel, Mehbooba tweeted; “Even after converting J&K into a military garrison, additional troops are being brought to Kashmir. Whatever little breathing space people have here is being choked and taken overall under the pretext of security. The crisis in J&K needs a political & not a military solution”, she added. As many as 138 terrorists have been killed and 55 arrested in Jammu and Kashmir so far this year, even as CRPF and BSF have stepped up deployment in the Valley by sending an additional 3,000 and 2,500 personnel respectively in wake of the recent civilian killings.
In recent months, tensions have increased. Travel curfews and roadblocks were put in place, and millions of residents in India’s only Muslim-majority region were cut off from their families in other parts of the country. Officials in Indian-controlled Kashmir told of mass detentions, while residents said tear gas and pellet guns were used against Kashmiri citizens.
