Srinagar: A guided tour for foreign diplomats visiting occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been overshadowed by a significant military presence, as Indian forces have been deployed extensively across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam districts. The area has been transformed into what resembles a military exercise zone, with the second phase of assembly elections also commencing today.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the increased military deployment comes at a time when surveillance and security measures have been notably intensified throughout the region. Drones now patrol sensitive areas from above, while CCTV cameras maintain constant surveillance over strategic locations. Additionally, numerous vehicle checkpoints have been set up to scrutinize movement rigorously. Random identity checks are frequent, and authorities are closely monitoring mobile phone services and internet connectivity to track any signs of dissent.

Local residents have expressed their distress, describing the current atmosphere as “suffocating” and likening their situation to being prisoners in their own land. The severe restrictions have disrupted daily life, severely limiting access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The business sector is also experiencing hardship, with many shops and markets forced to remain closed due to the pervasive presence of military personnel.

This is not an isolated instance of such restrictive measures in Kashmir. Similar actions have been implemented in the past, leading to widespread concerns about the suppression of dissenting voices and the erosion of fundamental rights. The region has consistently been the site of serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, rape, torture, and enforced disappearances.