In response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the Uttarakhand police have launched a crackdown on the unregulated sale of army and paramilitary uniforms. This step aims to prevent potential misuse of such attire, especially after reports suggested that terrorists may have used uniforms to avoid detection during the attack.

The order was issued by Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh, who directed all station in-charges to prepare detailed lists of shops selling uniforms or related paraphernalia across their jurisdictions. Special focus has been given to commercial hubs like Paltan Bazar, known for its dense concentration of shops dealing in security-related items.

Shopkeepers have been instructed to conduct strict verification of every customer before allowing a sale. The verification process must include checking the buyer's Aadhaar card, official identification, and valid phone number, which must be cross-verified on the spot. Additionally, the address and the name of the military or paramilitary unit to which the buyer claims to belong must be clearly documented.

"Earlier, old battalions used to come here to Paltan Bazar for shopping. There are many shops here selling army or police uniforms. Recently, we did a random check to see if the shops were selling military and police uniforms to authorised personnel only. We have told everyone (shop owners) to check the ID of the customers properly,” said SSP Ajay Singh in a statement.

One local shopkeeper, Sagar Ahuja, confirmed that police have visited the market and conveyed specific instructions. "Today itself, the SSP came here to give instructions that if anyone comes to buy uniforms, we have to strictly check their Aadhar card, ID card, and phone number. We have to call their phone to see if the call is going to the phone they are carrying. We have to note down their address and the name of their unit. Only after all this can we sell the uniform to anyone," Ahuja said.

This move comes amidst a nationwide wave of security tightenings and diplomatic responses following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The serene tourist destination, once celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, has now become the focus of national mourning and security overhaul.

The government has responded with decisive measures. These include diplomatic actions against Pakistan, such as the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and even the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960. These moves are seen as a robust message of zero tolerance toward cross-border terrorism.

The latest preventive steps by Uttarakhand Police are part of this broader strategy to ensure that military-grade items do not fall into the wrong hands. Uniform impersonation has been a known strategy in several past attacks where militants used fake military attire to infiltrate public places and launch assaults without early detection.

The crackdown has received general support from the public, many of whom feel that stricter verification norms were long overdue. However, shop owners have also voiced concerns about the increased responsibility and administrative burden being placed on them. They are now required not just to be vendors but also gatekeepers of national security at a local level.

Despite these concerns, the gravity of the Pahalgam attack has galvanized both citizens and officials to do their part in preventing future tragedies. Uniform shops, especially those located near military installations or cantonment areas, are expected to face regular inspections and may be required to maintain digital logs of all transactions related to sensitive items like uniforms, badges, or insignias.

This incident has once again highlighted the multifaceted nature of counterterrorism efforts, where not only intelligence and military action matter but also civil vigilance and local-level compliance. The Dehradun police's proactive step serves as a model for other states that might soon follow suit in enhancing the oversight of military-related commercial goods.

As the country mourns the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam, efforts like these underline the nation's resolute stance against terrorism. Each tightened regulation, verified identity, and documented transaction contributes to a stronger, safer India.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Ather Energy, Iware Supplychain Services, Arunaya Organics.

The Current active IPO are Tankup Engineers.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.