Lockdown in occupied Kashmir continues on fifth successive day

Occupation authorities have deployed thousands of Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel

Srinagar (Web Desk): In occupied Kashmir, strict curfew and other restrictions continue on the 5th consecutive day, today, while the territory remains cut off from the rest of the world due to the communication blockade imposed by India since the night of August 04, reported Kashmir Media Service. The Indian government had imposed curfew and other restrictions in occupied Kashmir ahead of announcement to repeal Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Indian Parliament had passed a resolution on August 05 revoking the constitutional provision, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The occupation authorities have deployed thousands of Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel in every nook and corner of the occupied territory to prevent people from staging demonstrations against the illegal move of the Indian government. Srinagar city has been barricaded by the troops, who disallow vehicular and pedestrian movement. The roads in the entire Kashmir valley are giving a deserted look, while the same situation prevails in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and other areas. The authorities have also clamped restrictions under section 144 in Kargal district of Ladakh following demonstrations. The communication blackout also continues on the 5th successive day, today, as the occupation authorities keep internet and telephone links suspended. The authorities had snapped television, telephone and internet links to prevent demonstrations against the repeal of Article 370, cutting off the occupied territory from rest of the world. There is no contact of the external world with the residents of the valley. Local newspaper could not update their online editions since August 04. Due to restrictions, majority of the newspapers failed to hit the stands as they could not be printed. Almost all Hurriyat leaders, including Syed Ali Gilani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have been put under house arrest or in jails. 25 of the arrested Hurriyat activists have been shifted from Srinagar to Agra Central Jail. The authorities had also ordered closure of all educational institutions. Over 560 political leaders and workers have been detained since India announced to repeal Article 370. Political leaders and activists across the political spectrum have been detained in Srinagar, Baramulla, Gurez and other areas. Those arrested include even pro-India politicians like Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Sajjad Lone. The shortage of essential commodities is aggravating the situation with each passing day as it is becoming difficult for the residents to acquire milk, dairy items and medicines for children and patients.