Occupied Kashmir wakes up to 18th day of lockdown

Srinagar resident Ashiq Hussain said people feel as if they are living in a "jail" amid the lockdown

SRINAGAR (Dunya News/Reuters) – People of Kashmir on Thursday woke up to the 18th day of the lockdown by India as Indian troops restrict movement and continue heavy security in the occupied valley.

Telephone and internet links were cut and public assembly banned in Kashmir just before New Delhi unconstitutionally removed the decades-old autonomy of the Muslim majority territory.

Meanwhile, curfew and communication blackout entered the 18th consecutive day, today, further worsening the miseries of the besieged population across the territory. Vehicular as well as pedestrian movement remains blocked with barricades and concertina wires on roads and streets guarded by thousands of Indian troops.

Only a few residents were seen on the streets of Srinagar on Thursday morning, with shops remaining closed amongst frequent patrols by armed police. Srinagar resident Ashiq Hussain said people feel as if they are living in a "jail" amid the lockdown.

However, youth defied curfew and other restrictions came out at various places and protested against the abrogation of Article 370. Scores of people were injured when troops fired bullets, pellets and teargas shells on protesters in Srinagar and other areas of the valley.

The authorities also continue to impose information blockade as TV channels and internet links are snapped and restrictions on media continue since August 5 when BJP’s government scrapped the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Schools in the Kashmir Valley continue to give an empty look as parents have refused to risk the lives of their children.

The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement Chairman, Mir Shahid Saleem in a statement issued in Jammu warned the world community of an unfolding humanitarian crisis in the territory.