16th day of curfew, communication blackout in occupied Kashmir

SRINAGAR: In the occupied valley, curfew and other restrictions continue on the 16th consecutive day on Tuesday (today) since Narendra Modi government announced scrapping of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The entire occupied territory particularly the Kashmir has been turned into a military garrison as Indian troops and police personnel are deployed in every nook and corner. In Srinagar, thousands of troops and policemen are patrolling the deserted streets, lanes and by lanes to thwart any attempt of people to stage anti-India demonstrations.

The authorities also continue to impose information blockade as TV channels and internet links remain snapped and restrictions on media continue since 5th August.

Almost all Hurriyat leaders, including Syed Ali Gilani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continue to remain under house arrest or in jails. Thousands of other political leaders and workers including three puppet chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti are detained over the past two weeks.

Since August 4, an unprecedented communications blockade has been imposed in the region, cutting the region from the rest of the world and preventing contact within Kashmir and with the outside world for the 16th consecutive day today.

Due to the severe blockade, a famine-like situation is emerging as people are facing an acute shortage of essential commodities including baby food and life-saving medicines.