Curfew, communication blockage enters 161st day in IoK

SRINAGAR: On the 161st consecutive day on Sunday, the curfew and communications blockade in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) continues to be cut off from the rest of the world.

There is a shortage of food and medicines, while heavy snowfall has multiplied the miseries of the helpless Kashmiri people. Since August 5, by revoking the special status of occupied Kashmir, the Indian government has put a curfew in IoK.

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

Public transportation is off the roads. Shops and business centers are still closed for a couple of hours in the morning and evening. Though there are still very few educational institutions and offices open 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 appointed magistrates to track students ‘ activities in educational institutions throughout occupied Kashmir.

On the other hand, disputed Kashmir was formally divided into two union territories on October 31 against the wishes of the people of the region and in violation of international laws and India’s own constitution.

Earlier, the United States (US) has expressed concern over the detention of political leaders and internet restrictions in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In a social media website, US acting Assistant  Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G. Wells twitted Washington has been closely following a recent visit of Delhi-based envoys, including US Ambassador to India Ken Juster, to the occupied region.

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“We remain concerned by the detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy,” she said.

Closely following @USAmbIndia & other foreign diplomats’ recent trip to Jammu & Kashmir. Important step. We remain concerned by detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy. AGW

— State_SCA (@State_SCA) January 11, 2020