Indian forces’ personnel have intensified their crackdown in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by arresting numerous youths and summoning hundreds to police stations and military camps under the guise of security measures ahead of India’s Independence Day, August 15, further exacerbating the hardships faced by the Kashmiris.

According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Friday, Indian troops, paramilitary, and police personnel have ramped up vehicle checks and random frisking of passengers and pedestrians across the occupied territory. The increased presence of Indian forces’ personnel is being felt acutely as troops and police are deployed in large numbers.

In a series of cordon and search operations and house raids, Indian forces have arrested and interrogated hundreds of youths in various districts, including Srinagar, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, Islamabad, Kulgam, Shopian, Ramban, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Doda, Samba, and Reasi. The oppressive measures have also included extensive checking and frisking at multiple locations.