Curfew blockade enters the 42nd day in Kashmir

Indian imposed curfew has entered 42nd consecutive day, in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Areas of Indian occupied Kashmir are reeling under strict curfew and communication blackout since August 5, when India unilaterally revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Normal life remains crippled on the 42nd consecutive day, today, in the Kashmir valley and five districts of Jammu region.

Markets are shut and public transport is off the road since August 5 when Narendra Modi-led Indian government had announced repeal of special status of occupied Kashmir.

According to the Kashmir Valley Transporters Association figures, around 50,000 public transport vehicles remain grounded in the valley since August 5.

The train service also remains suspended in the occupied territory.

Kashmiri Muslims were unable to sacrifice animals and offer Eid-ul-Adha prayers, as entire occupied territory has been converted into a military garrison and a big concentration camp through deployment of forces’ personnel in every street and village of the territory.

Patients, doctors and other medical staff are facing difficulties in reaching hospitals due to curfew and other restrictions.

Foodstuff, medicines and other essential commodities have run out of stocks, adding to the miseries of the people.

Earlier, Kashmiris have defied curfew and came out of their houses in Srinagar and protested against abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Several people were injured when the troops used force and fired metal pellets and tear gas on the protesters.

Some city residents said they had been assaulted or verbally abused by the forces who also damaged their properties after they raided their homes.

In Srinagar, at least a dozen witnesses said police and paramilitary officials had raided several homes, picking up dozens of men and damaging their houses with stones and rods.

The authorities have turned the valley, particularly Srinagar, into a military garrison by deploying thousands of Indian troops and police personnel in every nook and corner.

In Srinagar, troops and policemen are patrolling the deserted streets, lanes and by lanes to thwart any attempt of people to stage anti-India demonstrations.