ISLAMABAD: Daily life across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has been brought to a standstill after Indian authorities imposed a sweeping military lockdown ahead of India’s Republic Day on January 26, citing security concerns, residents and officials said.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a multi-layered security system has been enforced throughout the Kashmir Valley, with large contingents of Indian police and central armed paramilitary forces deployed at sensitive locations, major roads, marketplaces and public spaces. The measures have significantly disrupted routine activities and restricted civilian movement.
Authorities have established additional checkpoints across the region, subjecting residents and commuters to repeated identity checks, frisking and vehicle inspections. Locals report long delays and frequent stoppages, particularly in urban centres and along major connecting routes.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi said elaborate security arrangements had been finalised for Republic Day events, particularly around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the main function is scheduled to take place. He said aerial surveillance, including the use of drones, has also been incorporated into the security plan.
Birdi said sensitive areas across Kashmir were under heightened alert, with road blockades, security cordons, search operations and vehicle checks in place. He added that checkpoints had been set up at key entry and exit points in Srinagar and other towns, as well as at district headquarters.
Indian forces have intensified searches and identity verification across all 20 districts of the territory, including Srinagar and other major population centres. Officials said movement along key roads, especially those close to the Line of Control, is being closely monitored, resulting in traffic disruptions and inconvenience for civilians.
Security operations have also been expanded during night hours, with increased patrolling and raids in several localities. Authorities have described these measures as preventive steps aimed at averting any untoward incident during Republic Day celebrations.
To further reinforce security, officials said advanced surveillance tools, including drones and high-resolution CCTV cameras, have been deployed to monitor official venues and surrounding areas. Additional police and paramilitary personnel have been stationed in public spaces, markets and transport hubs.
Residents say such measures are routinely imposed ahead of Indian national events, turning everyday life into what they describe as an atmosphere of fear and constant harassment. Many say the heavy presence of armed personnel, repeated searches and continuous surveillance underscore the militarised nature of the region rather than any sense of public festivity.
Locals maintain that these occasions are observed under severe restrictions, with limited mobility and heightened anxiety. They say the clampdowns serve as reminders of prolonged repression and the denial of political and civil rights in the territory.
Officials confirmed that heightened surveillance has also been enforced in areas considered sensitive, including Gurez, Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar, as well as several locations in the Jammu region. Security personnel have been deployed in strength in these areas, with strict monitoring of movement.
The latest lockdown has added to existing restrictions, affecting businesses, transport and access to public spaces. Residents report that markets have seen reduced activity, while commuters face delays due to repeated security checks.
While authorities insist the measures are necessary to ensure security during Republic Day functions, residents say the recurring lockdowns have normalised restrictions and deepened a sense of alienation. They argue that the extensive security presence reflects continued control over civilian life rather than celebration.
Republic Day events in the territory are held annually under heavy security, with participation largely limited to official personnel. For many Kashmiris, the day is marked not by celebration but by increased restrictions, intensified surveillance and a visible escalation of military deployment across towns and villages.
