Life remains crippled in occupied Kashmir on 81st day

SRINAGAR: Amid unprecedented Indian military lockdown, normal life in the occupied Kashmir valley and Muslim majority areas of the Jammu region continues to remain disturbed for the 81st consecutive day on Thursday.

Kashmir Media Service reported that people continue to observe complete shutdown as a mark of silent protest against the Indian occupation and revocation of the territory’s special status. Shops and businesses establishments remain closed most of the time except for few hours in the morning and evening while public transport is off the roads.

In occupied Kashmir, government offices and educational institutions are open but almost no one turns up.

Although the authorities have restored landline and some postpaid cellular connections, a total ban remains enforced on the internet and prepaid mobile phones. Being unable to speak with their loved ones, millions of people are suffering emotionally and psychologically as a direct result of the continuing siege.

Local newspapers have been reduced to few pages and they couldn’t update their online editions since the 5th of August because of the gag on the internet.