Srinagar: While India celebrated its Independence Day, the contrast was striking in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where stringent security measures and restrictions highlighted the ongoing tensions and the local population’s protests against Indian rule.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian security forces were heavily deployed across the region, including at strategic points such as Lal Chowk and Bakshi Stadium, the main venues for the day’s official celebrations. The extensive security setup included vehicle checks, area domination exercises, and surveillance from helicopters and drones, all aimed at stifling any dissent.
Kashmiri leaders and organizations, including the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and prominent figures like Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori and Maulana Musab Nadvi, vocally criticized the Indian government. They condemned the stark irony of India celebrating freedom while oppressing Kashmiris, pointing out the ongoing denial of the right to self-determination and the heavy human cost of the conflict, with over 500,000 Kashmiris reportedly killed over the past 78 years.
Throughout the territory, posters and banners reflected the sentiments of many residents, stating “India’s freedom is based on our slavery” and rejecting the celebration of Indian Independence Day. These expressions of dissent underscore the deep-seated resentment and demand for self-determination that have long characterized the region’s relationship with the Indian state.