Kashmir in communication blackout

International Desk: Indian-administered Kashmir remains in a state of lockdown a day after it was stripped of special status that gave it significant autonomy.

Landlines, mobiles and internet, which were cut off on Sunday evening, are yet to be restored even as tens of thousands of troops patrol the streets.

The revocation of special status was expected to trigger widespread protests, but there is no word on how people have reacted to the news.

Local leaders have also been detained.

The article allowed the state a certain amount of autonomy - its own constitution, a separate flag and the freedom to make laws, though foreign affairs, defence and communications remained the preserve of the central government.

As a result, Jammu and Kashmir could make its own rules relating to citizenship, ownership of property and fundamental rights. It could also bar Indians from outside the state from purchasing property or settling there.

The region is claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan, but they each control only parts of it.

There is a long-running insurgency on the Indian side, which has led to a large number of civilian casualties.

In the days leading up to home minister Amit Shah's parliamentary announcement that Article 370 had been revoked, tensions were rife in the valley as tens of thousands of additional troops were deployed to what is already one of the world's most militarised zones.

Tourists were asked to leave, and Hindu pilgrims making an annual religious trek were also asked to return to their homes. Schools and colleges were shut down. No indication was given about what was being planned.

Assuming the worst, concerned locals stockpiled food for months, our correspondents in the region said.

Source: Agencies

 

risingbd/Aug 6, 2019/Mukul