Srinagar, In anticipation of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Indian government has intensified security measures across several districts in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Budgam. This heightened security presence is officially aimed at maintaining order during the electoral process.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, which encompasses areas across these districts, is scheduled to participate in the fifth phase of voting on May 20. Indian authorities assert that the additional deployment of security forces is necessary to ensure that the elections proceed without incident.

However, observers and local sources suggest a different motivation behind the increased military presence, proposing that it serves to coerce the Kashmiri population into supporting parties favorable to the BJP-led central government. Meetings involving Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and officials from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been held in critical locations such as Kupwara and Sopore to coordinate the security operations.

These actions have raised concerns among locals and political analysts alike, who view the heavy security measures as a tactic to influence the voting behavior of the Kashmiri electorate under the pretext of maintaining peace.