Kahsmir lockdown: 99 days and counting

In occupied Kashmir, 99 days on, normal life continues to elude the Kashmir Valley and Muslim majority areas of Jammu and Ladakh regions due to the military lockdown imposed by India following August 5 illegal move.

Restrictions under Section 144 and ban on prepaid phone, SMS and internet services remain enforced. However, landlines and voice calls on postpaid connections have been partially restored.

As a mark of silent protest, people in the Valley continue to keep their shops closed except for a brief period in the morning and evening and stay away from schools and offices. Public transport is also unavailable.

Police in north Kashmir’s Sopore town has released pictures of three ‘wanted militants’ announcing cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to their arrest or killing.

The National Conference has condemned the IOK admin for disallowing religious gatherings at the holy Hazratbal Shrine on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi [SAWS], saying such a measure is tantamount to violation of people’s religious freedom.

On the other hand, Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism, martyred one more Kashmiri youth in Bandipore district, today, taking the toll to two within 12 hours.

The youth was killed during cordon and search operation in Lawdoora area of the district.

Earlier, one youth was killed in the same area last night.

The operation was going on till the last report came in.