Over 4500 arrested in occupied Kashmir since Aug 5

SRINAGAR: In occupied Kashmir, over 4,500 persons among total over 10,000 arrested have been booked under draconian law, Public Safety Act (PSA), since the repeal of the special status of the territory by the Indian government on August 5.

Those detained under PSA include Hurriyat leaders, political workers, traders, lawyers, social activists and youth.

Principal Secretary of occupied Kashmir, Rohit Kansal, confirmed to media that over 4,500 people have been arrested under the PSA. The law allows the authorities to keep anyone under detention for up to two years without trial.

Meanwhile, the curfew and communication blackout continue in the Kashmir valley on the 27th consecutive day, today, where people are facing acute shortage of essential commodities including baby food and life-saving medicines.

The valley remains cut off from the rest of the world since August 5 due to continued blockade and suspension of internet, mobile and landline services and closing of TV channels. The printing of local newspapers remains suspended while schools shut.