Protests, curbs expose fragile calm in IIOJK: BBC report
Srinagar: A report by BBC Urdu has revealed that a week of protests, clashes and restrictions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir following the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei exposed the fragile nature of the so-called “normalcy” claimed by the Indian government in the territory.
According to the BBC report, thousands of people gathered in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and other areas to protest the killing, raising slogans and expressing solidarity with Iran. The demonstrations were followed by curfews, suspension of mobile internet, closure of educational institutions and the arrest of dozens of youths.
The report said clashes between protesters and Indian police left several people injured, while authorities also blocked the social media accounts of local newspapers including Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir to restrict coverage of the protests.
The BBC further noted that analysts and observers believe the recent unrest shows that the years-long silence in the occupied territory should not be mistaken for genuine peace, as underlying political grievances among Kashmiris remain unresolved. The report added that the Kashmiris have gone far away from India, particularly after being subjected to humilation following the revocation of Article 370.
