Why Authorities in Jammu-Kashmir, Uttarakhand Have Banned the Sale and Storage of Army Uniforms | CliqExplainer

In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, including two foreign nationals, India has responded with several security measures. Among these measures is the decision by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and other regions to ban the sale, stitching, and storage of army uniforms. This drastic step comes after the attackers in Pahalgam were reportedly dressed in military clothing during the assault, allowing them to blend in and execute the attack with devastating efficiency.

Reason Behind the Ban

The core reason for the ban is the increasing use of military attire by terrorists, as seen in the Pahalgam attack. The terrorists wore army uniforms to pose as security personnel while carrying out their assault on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination. This strategy not only confused the victims but also made it difficult for local authorities to identify the attackers in time, ultimately leading to the tragic loss of lives.

In response to this growing threat, authorities have now put restrictions on the sale, stitching, and storage of combat clothing in several areas, including Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar, Samba, and Srinagar districts, as well as Dehradun in Uttarakhand, and parts of Punjab. The goal is to prevent the illegal procurement and misuse of military uniforms by unauthorized individuals, especially terrorists.

What Measures Have Been Implemented?

The measures in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kishtwar, are extensive. The district’s Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, issued an order mandating that all authorized private shops involved in the sale or storage of combat clothing submit written notifications to their local police stations. These shops must confirm their authorization to sell such items and submit detailed reports on all transactions involving military-style uniforms.

Additionally, a register of all sales is to be maintained, recording the name, identification, and unit details of army personnel purchasing the items. The idea is to track and control the distribution of military uniforms, making sure they do not fall into the wrong hands.

Impact on Businesses

Business owners in regions like Dehradun have been instructed to carefully vet the identities of buyers before selling any military clothing. This includes checking Aadhaar cards, ID cards, and even verifying phone numbers in real time. Shopkeepers must also record the full address of the buyer and, in the case of military personnel, the details of their unit.

The regulations also highlight the tightening of control over the fabric used for military uniforms. The Indian Army has restricted the sale of official uniform fabric to civilian shops, making it available only through army canteens, where each item comes with a barcode, preventing its sale to non-army personnel.

Security Situation and Broader Context

The closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari and the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani citizens were also part of India’s retaliatory measures after the Pahalgam attack. The Indian government has reduced diplomatic staff in both countries and taken additional steps to strengthen security, including increased surveillance over social media to monitor content that may provoke unrest.

The central government has been in talks with local authorities, and army chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar to review the situation and ensure the safety of civilians in the region.

The ban on military uniform sales is a direct response to the growing use of such clothing in terrorist attacks. By cracking down on this avenue, authorities aim to limit the ability of militants to impersonate security personnel and carry out operations with impunity. While these steps are essential for national security, they also highlight the ongoing challenges India faces in maintaining law and order amidst rising tensions, especially with neighboring countries. The issue of terrorist misuse of army attire is just one example of the many security concerns that India must address to ensure the safety of its citizens.

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