The lockdown imposed in occupied Kashmir on August 5, 2019 by the Indian government has hit 185 days, with the the security and communication clampdown now in its sixth month.
With international pressure mounting to restore freedoms, Indian authorities claim they have ‘eased’ some restrictions, such as lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and some mobile phone services. The scenario for 12.5 million Kashmiris, however, is far from normal.
On August 5th, the Indian government withdrew Article 370, which gave the disputed territories of Jammu and Kashmir partial autonomy, from the Indian constitution
Following this was an imposition of a strict curfew and the cutting of telephone and internet connections. This Wednesday marks the 150th since Kashmir’s defiance against Indian repression following the lockdown begun.
Photo: Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP
Parliamentary troops getting ready for the anticipated thousands of protests in Kashmir following the revoking of Article 370 on August 5th. The disputed region was soon turned into an array of military troops.
Photo: Al Jazeera
Two days before the abolition of Article 370, panic spread across the locals as the federal government arrived them to evacuate the region immediately.
In an attempt to quell mass protest, the curfew in Kashmir was tightened right before Eid al-Adha on August 11th
Kashmiri women chanting freedom slogans following the Eid al-Adha prayers
Bunkers and barricades were created overnight as troops took over educational institutions. Following this, parents raised their doubts over sending children to school during the lockdown
There has been an increase in the use of pellet guns by Indian forces to halt protests in the valley. Pellet firing over unarmed protestors has caused severe injuries including blindness.
As education across the valley suffered, some people have opened up tuition centres to help the students free of charge.
Tourism in the region has taken a massive hit since Article 370 was revoked. This has affected many local businesses in Kashmir who continue to suffer economically during the lockdown.
Also read: A Timeline of the Kashmir Dispute