Srinagar: In a major clampdown within the Ganderbal district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, over 40 individuals were detained during sweeping search operations conducted by Indian forces.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the combined efforts of the Indian Army, paramilitary, and police forces marked the second consecutive day of intensive searches across various locations in the district. These actions come in the wake of a deadly attack on workers at a camp in Gagangir, which claimed the lives of seven individuals.

A senior Indian police officer stated, “We have picked up several suspects for questioning,” linking the detentions directly to investigations into the recent violence.

Local residents have voiced concerns that the surge in military activities and the targeting of individuals are tactics by the BJP-led government to shift public focus from political developments in the region, particularly the formation of an anti-BJP coalition in IIOJK. They argue that these measures are intended to overshadow ongoing debates and movements towards reinstating Article 370 and other political rights previously rescinded in August 2019.