Curfew, communication blockage enters 168th day in IoK

SRINAGAR: On the 168th 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.

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Earlier, Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with US Senate leadership during his visit to Washington and discuss the situation in the disputed territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

During the meeting both sides shared their commitment to developing the bilateral relationship, they also discussed the situation in South Asia, the Afghanistan peace process and recent developments in the Middle East.

On a social media website Twitter, FM wrote: “The Foreign Minister briefed the Senators on India’s lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir, and its implications for regional security.”

“He wrote that peace and stability in South Asia would remain elusive until the Kashmir dispute was resolved in accordance with international law and the wishes of the Kashmiri people”.

Discussed our bilat. relationship, Pakistan’s contribution to the Afghan Peace Process, recent ME tensions & India's illegal lockdown in Occupied J&K with its implications for regional security until peaceful resolution in line with the Kashmiris' right to self determination. https://t.co/E4EXotMd2R

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) January 16, 2020