Srinagar: In a recent move, the Indian government has escalated its military presence in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by deploying an additional 2,000 troops, intensifying the military footprint in the region amid local calls for self-determination.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the fresh deployment includes two battalions from the Assam Rifles and a Sector Headquarters, all relocated from Nagaland to the Jammu region. The total number of troops involved in this recent move is estimated at around 2,000.
Defense officials from India stated that the new forces are stationed primarily in Doda district, suggesting that the increase is a response to recent attacks and in preparation for upcoming Assembly elections in the area.
This recent deployment follows last month’s additional military presence, which saw two battalions of the Assam Rifles moved from Manipur and the positioning of 3,000 army personnel and 2,000 Border Security Force troops across various districts of Jammu, including Jammu itself, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua.
The continued build-up of military forces in IIOJK is reported to be contributing to heightened tensions and difficulties for the local population, who are already grappling with long-standing issues of state control and suppression.