SRINAGAR: As the first phase of widely controversial elections underway in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), particularly in its summer capital Srinagar, the city has been fortified with extensive security measures, raising alarms about civil liberties under Hindu-nationalist Modi’s government.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Srinagar has been designated a “red zone” for drone operations, heightening concerns over restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly that stand in stark contrast to the Modi regime’s assertions of facilitating a democratic process.
A heavy security presence blankets the city, with Inspector General of Police VK Birdi affirming that comprehensive arrangements have been established. Forces personnel are deployed along major roads, and numerous checkpoints have been erected. Indian troops are conducting random vehicle checks and increasing surveillance, creating an environment of fear and intimidation that many observers liken to a war zone rather than a democratic exercise.
Critics have denounced the militarization of the electoral process, questioning the legitimacy of an election occurring under such heavy security. Kashmiris are voicing their discontent, characterizing the elections as a mere “facade” intended to project a false sense of normalcy while ignoring their longstanding demand for self-determination.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote the elections as a step toward democracy, local leaders and experts have described the process as a “farce” and a “military drill.” With over a million Indian troops overseeing the polls, the electoral process has been accused of being rigged to favor pro-India parties through manipulative reforms and gerrymandering, further diluting Muslim representation in the region.
Many Kashmiris are calling for a UN-sanctioned plebiscite instead of manipulated elections. The inclusion of voting rights for outsiders has raised serious concerns about the erosion of Kashmir’s political status and future stability.
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Kashmiri leaders have largely boycotted the elections, labeling them a “ploy” to legitimize India’s ongoing occupation. They argue, “These elections are a sham, aimed at diverting attention from our struggle for self-determination.”
Political analysts warn that the current electoral tactics employed by the Modi government aim to legitimize the controversial abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. They caution that the elections could further polarize the region, exacerbating tensions between the local population and the Indian government.
As the world watches, the need for the international community to recognize the reality of India’s occupation and support Kashmiris’ rights to self-determination becomes increasingly urgent. The situation in Srinagar today serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the people of IIOJK amid claims of democracy overshadowed by military might.
