Curfew and communication blockage enters 139th day in IoK

SRINAGAR: The curfew and communications blockage in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) continues to remain cut off from the rest of the world on the 139th consecutive day on Saturday.

There is a shortage of food and medicines, while heavy snowfall has multiplied the miseries of the hapless Kashmiri people.

Since 5th August, the Indian government has placed a curfew in IoK by revoking the special status of occupied Kashmir.

Read more: Finland holds anti-India protest against IoK’s curfew

Restrictions under section 144 and total ban on internet and prepaid mobile services remain enforced.

Public transport is off the roads. Shops and business centers barring a few hours in the morning and evening continue to remain shut.

Though educational institutions and offices are open yet very few show up there.

Normal life remains disabled in the IoK and parts of the occupied valley. Shops and business establishments remain closed most of the time except for a few hours in the morning and evening.

The authorities have also deputed magistrates in educational institutions across occupied Kashmir to monitor the activities of students.

Also read: Human Rights Watch urges India to end curfew in IoK

They have directed the heads of educational institutions to conduct regular morning assemblies and advise students to concentrate on education only.

On 11th December, the Indian government restored incoming text messages in IoK after four months of curfew in the valley.

On the other hand on 31st October, occupied Kashmir was officially split into two union territories against the wishes of the people of the territory and in breach of international laws and India’s own constitution.