Life in Kashmir remains paralysed as curfew enters 188th day

SRINAGAR: The curfew and communications blockage in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) continues to remain cut off from the rest of the world on the 188th 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.

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.

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

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

On 11th December 2019, the Indian government restored incoming text messages in IoK after four months of curfew in the valley.

Moreover, on 31st October 2019, 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.