Srinagar, In a stark demonstration of dissent, a complete shutdown is being observed today in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in protest against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the shutdown was called by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, garnering widespread support from various Hurriyat leaders and organizations across the territory. This move reflects the escalating tensions and discontent among the local populace towards the Indian government’s policies in the region.
In the lead-up to Modi’s visit, over 700 youths have been arrested in a series of crackdowns and raids conducted by the Indian army and police forces throughout Srinagar and other districts in the Kashmir valley. These detentions have occurred without clear reasons, following summons to police stations, underscoring the heightened security measures and surveillance in the area.
Critics of the visit have labeled it a “cruel joke” on the oppressed people of Kashmir, accusing Modi of attempting to mislead the international community about the true situation in IIOJK. The region has been described as a “killing field” in light of recent actions taken by Indian authorities to suppress dissent.
Further security measures include the declaration of Srinagar city as a “temporary red zone” for drone and quadcopter operations, as announced by the District Police Srinagar on the social media platform ‘X’. This declaration, made under the provisions of Rule 24(2) of the Drone Rules, 2021, effectively bans the use of drones in the area for the duration of Modi’s visit.
Additionally, traffic advisories have been issued, restricting movement on key routes in Srinagar from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm, as detailed by the Traffic Police, Srinagar. These measures have significantly impacted daily life and mobility for residents and commuters in the region, further emphasizing the shutdown’s extensive reach and the community’s collective protest.