Kashmir under lockdown: Indian state terrorism continues on 57th day

In occupied Kashmir, the sufferings of the people of the Kashmir valley continue unabated due to the restrictions and heavy deployment of Indian troops and police in every nook and corner.

Normal life remains crippled on the 57th consecutive day, today, in the Kashmir valley as shops, business establishments and educational institutions are closed and public transport is off the roads. The people are facing acute shortage of essential commodities including milk, baby food and life-saving medicines.

The occupation authorities keep the communication means including internet and mobile phones suspended and TV channels shut in the Kashmir valley and Muslim areas of Jammu region, adding to the woes of the residents.

The decrease in temperature is also adding to the worries of the people because due to continued blockade they have not been able to stock the essential commodities for winter season – a centuries-old practice as Srinagar-Jammu Highway, the only surface link of the valley, remains closed due to snowfall in major part of winter.

In occupied Kashmir, people erupted in jubilation after Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan’s speech in the UN General Assembly where he forcefully and effectively highlighted the sufferings of the people of the territory due to continued lockdown and communication blackout.

A correspondent of Kashmir Media Service reported from Srinagar that despite heavy presence of Indian troops, people at many places came out of their homes and celebrated with firecrackers and dance after Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan’s speech at the UN General Assembly. .

They raised high-pitched pro-Pakistan, pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

The authorities further tightened restrictions in Srinagar, to prevent people from staging further demonstrations after the speech of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the UN General Assembly.

Police vans fitted with speakers made public announcements in Srinagar, today, about restrictions on movement while additional troops were deployed to prevent any protests, according to officials and two eyewitnesses.

The troops also blocked access to the main business centre of Srinagar with razor wire.

“This was necessitated after protests across Srinagar city last night soon after Imran Khan’s speech,” said a police official, who declined to be identified.