Pahalgam Terror Attack Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Open Sale Of Military Uniforms

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, has once again highlighted a very serious issue-the easy availability of military and police uniforms in the open market. According to eyewitnesses, the militants who carried out the shooting were wearing uniforms similar to those worn by security forces. This not only helped them gain the trust of the public but also created confusion and panic during the attack.

Sadly, this is not a new tactic. In the past, too, terrorists have disguised themselves in military or police attire to carry out attacks. Such acts underline the urgent need to regulate the sale and use of these uniforms.

Though there are existing rules stating that only serving personnel should wear military, paramilitary, or police uniforms, it appears that these guidelines are not being followed strictly. The question that arises is-are these rules being properly enforced?

Let us take the example of Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is home to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), one of India's most respected defence training institutes. The city also hosts a number of coaching centres that prepare young men and women for a career in the armed forces. It is no surprise, then, that there is a natural admiration for the military uniform among the people of Uttarakhand, which also happens to be the home of the Garhwal Rifles and Kumaon Regiment.

However, this admiration must not be misused. In places like Dehradun's Dakra market and the busy lanes of Paltan Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, and Bhaniawala, uniforms, name plates, boots, caps, and even weapons like khukris are sold freely. What is worrying is that there are no proper records of who is buying them. Shopkeepers often claim they only sell to known people, but that is not enough. Without verified identity checks or proper documentation, anyone, including those with dangerous intentions, can buy these items.

In Jammu and Kashmir, strict rules are in place-these uniforms can only be purchased after showing proper identification. Why should the same rules not apply in other states?

Police officials in Dehradun, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh and Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop, have rightly stated that uniforms must only be sold to authorised personnel. They have promised legal action against those who violate these rules. The Indian Army's Northern Command has also reminded the public that selling these items without record-keeping is against the law.

Despite these assurances, the fact remains that enforcement has been weak. Legal experts point out that Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with civilians wearing military uniforms, is too soft. Stronger legal provisions may be required to deter such misuse.

It is important to note that a new uniform for the Indian Army was introduced in January 2022 and is distributed through official channels. However, the older combat uniform remains in use until June 2026 and continues to be sold in open markets-creating more risk.

The police have now begun checking shops and records. SSP Ajay Singh has also instructed officers to identify all such shops within their areas and to make sure shopkeepers do not sell any military or security force-related items without checking and recording a valid identity card.

This renewed attention is welcome, but it should not fade with time. Uniforms of our brave soldiers and police officers are symbols of honour, discipline, and sacrifice. Allowing them to be misused by those who wish to harm the nation is unacceptable.

The time has come for stronger enforcement, stricter laws, and nationwide guidelines on the sale of military and police gear. This is not just about clothes and badges-it is about national security.