Srinagar, August 08 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, Indian authorities continue to clamp strict curfew and other restrictions for the fourth consecutive day, today, while keeping all the communication links of the territory with the outside world snapped.
The Indian government had placed occupied Kashmir under military siege ahead of announcing revocation on Monday of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Thousands of Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel continue to guard deserted streets across the Valley and Jammu region. The troops deployed in Srinagar have barricaded the entire city, disallowing vehicular and pedestrian movement. The roads are deserted in the Kashmir valley, while the same situation prevails in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, Doda, Rajouri, Udhampur, Kishtwar and other areas.
The communication blackout also continues on the 4th successive day, today, as the occupation authorities keep internet and telephone links suspended. The authorities had snapped television, telephone and internet links to prevent demonstrations against the repeal of Article 370, cutting off the occupied territory from rest of the world. The communication blockade is so severe that even landline phones have been snapped, causing more anxiety among people. There is no contact of the external world with the residents of the valley. Due to restrictions, local newspaper could not update their online editions. Majority of the newspapers failed to hit the stands as they could not be printed.
Almost all resistance leaders, including Syed Ali Gilani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have been put under house arrest or in jails. The authorities had also ordered closure of all educational institutions.
The shortage of essential commodities is aggravating the situation with each passing day as it is becoming difficult for the residents to acquire milk, dairy items and medicines for children and patients.