Security checks in Dehradun’s iconic Paltan Bazaar have been significantly intensified following concerns over the unauthorised sale of military uniforms. The development follows the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where attackers were reportedly dressed in army attire to deceive and target civilians.
Speaking to media, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said, “In Paltan Bazaar, old platoons used to shop. There are many old uniform shops. Therefore, a random inspection was launched in the market.” Authorities are now taking steps to prevent impersonation and illegal access to military gear.
Sagar Ahuja, a shopkeeper in the market, told media about the stringent verification process now in place. “We’ve been told to check Aadhaar cards, ID cards, and even verify the buyer’s phone number in real-time by calling it,” he explained. “We also have to note down their full address and, in case of army personnel, their unit details—for example, Garhwal Rifles, then we will have to add Unit 1 or 2, etc.”
He further added, “Nowadays, the Indian Army issues official uniform fabric only through army canteens. The materials come with barcodes and cannot be sold to civilians. We merely stitch uniforms for army personnel who bring in their authorised fabric.”
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, additional security measures have also been rolled out in Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan and the Kumaon region in Nainital, both of which are near the international border. Both areas have been placed on high alert, with increased surveillance in public spaces.
To further assess the situation, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is scheduled to visit Srinagar and Udhampur on Friday. According to Defence officials, “Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi will leave for Srinagar and Udhampur shortly.” He will meet senior Army commanders and security officials to review the volatile situation and ongoing attempts by the Pakistan Army to violate the ceasefire along the LoC.
The April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam resulted in the death of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, marking one of the worst attacks since Pulwama in 2019. In response, the Central government has undertaken major diplomatic and military steps to pressure Pakistan and safeguard national security.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a series of tough diplomatic measures: “The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled.”
He added that the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari is closed with immediate effect. The government also suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to leave the country. In a significant step, India has also halted the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960 in response to the attack.
These escalations reflect India’s firm stance following the Pahalgam tragedy and its commitment to national security and justice for the victims.