News Desk |
The residents of Indian Occupied Kashmir shared horrifying details of a lock-down in the valley, just a few days ahead of Indian parliament’s abhorrent decision of scrapping off Article 370.
Kashmir on Lock-down
Shocking details from Jammu and Kashmir emerged on social media with the Indian government exercising its full might in the region followed by a communication halt, deployment of additional troops in the region, the house arrest of political leaders, and the evacuation of tourists from the valley during the past weekend.
Perhaps the Indian government, anticipating the violent reactions in Jammu and Kashmir, is following its decision to abolish its special status and has sealed the valley and increased surveillance.
Thousands of tourists and students fled the valley on Saturday after the Indian government announced to leave the Jammu and Kashmir immediately.
Panic and chaos mounted as India undertook abnormal security measures in the valley. The Kashmiri residents called the world’s attention towards the increased lockdown in Kashmir in the past three days.
The Hurriyat leaders and local politicians released worrisome messages from their social media accounts raising their voices against the increased oppression from the forces in the valley. According to several journalists, the Kashmiris under siege are unaware of the government’s decision.
The Indian government had suspended its internet connections, landline facilities, and mobile services in the region to prevent anti-India demonstrations from being organized and stop the dissemination of news.
‘Kashmir Under Siege’ heavily trended on social media, where Twitter users and journalists informed the world about the strict conditions imposed on the movements of Kashmiris. Independent observers globally described it a gross violation of the Indian government in Jammu and Kashmir as uncertainty loomed in the valley regarding the fate of millions of unarmed civilians residing in the valley.
Calls from Kashmir
Junaid Mattu, the mayor of Srinagar, tweeted that the people of Kashmir have endured “the unendurable” time and again and that they will continue to do so.
Infrastructure lawyer and activist Shehryar Khanum sent out a prayer for Kashmir while hoping that she and many like her will be remembered.
Read more: Modi’s BJP defies Indian Constitution – Scraps Kashmir’s ‘Special Status’
President Peoples Conference Sajad Lone tweeted; “Indian forces have detained him and people from his political party yet again. Detained yet again. First detained in Delhi. Then in Srinagar in 1990. Those detention centers were very harsh. Our workers are being sought by the police. My prayers with them. And hope they stay calm.”
Pilgrimage Suspended, Tourist Evacuated
Thousands of tourists and students fled the valley on Saturday after the Indian government announced to leave the Jammu and Kashmir immediately. The Indian government also called off the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which draws hundreds of thousands of Hindus each year. The pilgrimage continues for 45 days in which the Hindu Yatree stays in the Amarnath cave in Southern Kashmir.
The pilgrimage has been cancelled because of the scare. A huge security force had been guarding the route even before the alert. A second smaller pilgrimage, the Machail Mata Yatra in Jammu region was also cancelled Saturday.
The Indian government has admitted that 10,000 extra troops were sent to occupy Kashmir a week ago. Media reports on Friday revealed that further 25,000 soldiers had been ordered there.
Read more: UN & OIC Urge Restraint: Indian Human Rights Violations Condemned
“As per the order there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed,” a statement by a government official of Jammu and Kashmir, which is currently under the central rule.
The official did not give a specific number but said most of the 20,000 Hindu pilgrims and Indian tourists – and more than 200,000 laborers – were leaving the region.
We don’t know what tomorrow brings for us. Very heavy hearted. Friends, if we don’t make it, remember us in good thoughts and prayers. God, be kind. #kashmir #KashmirUnderThreat
— Shehryar Khanum (@shehryar_khanum) August 4, 2019
Detained yet again. first detained in Delhi. Then in Sringar in 1990. Those detention centres were very harsh. Our workers r being sought by the police. My prayers with them. And hope they stay calm.
— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) August 4, 2019
Not sure what lies on the other side of this night but Kashmir and Kashmiris have long endured the unendurable – over and over again. May Allah be with us.
— Junaid Azim Mattu (@Junaid_Mattu) August 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/nawazishali2233/status/1158329143655915521?s=20
Kashmir is under siege!
Indian officials have ordered tourists and students to leave, imposed a curfew, and shut off mobile internet service. They’ve blacked out the region and moved in 150K troops ready to unleash Hell on innocent civilians.
Keep Kashmir in your prayers 💔
— StanceGrounded (@_SJPeace_) August 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/eemanabbasi/status/1158061420019429376?s=20
The whole world needs to look at what India is doing to #Kashmir right now.
"Kashmir is under siege…do not let the enforced silence drown our voices" #Article370 #KashmirHamaraHai #StandwithKashmir pic.twitter.com/oUHAEU39NQ
— MPACUK (@MPACUK) August 5, 2019
The current wave of terrorism by Indian Forces in IOC is a clear violation of humanity. The inhuman behaviour of Modi Govt will destroy themselves. Humanity and peace first. #SaveKashmirSOS #KashmirUnderSiege
— Nazish Khattak (@NazishKhattak) August 5, 2019
Even broadband services blocked
All roads have been blocked. Kashmir under siege.#StandwithKashmir#KashmirBleeds #Article370 pic.twitter.com/f1ZueOjtdV— soudah sultana (@_soudah) August 5, 2019
Curfew-like situation being imposed in IOJ&K. Mobile/internet services being shut down.Public movement banned.All edu instt to remain closed down. Bar on holding any public meetings/rallies.ID cards=move passes.Mainstream leaders being reported house-arrest #KashmirUnderSiege @UN
— Gharidah Farooqi (T.I.) (@GFarooqi) August 4, 2019
OCCUPIED KASHMIR ..This morning under siege pic.twitter.com/YR9q4Rld3h
— Nazuk Fareed I Support F:45 (@NazukFareedPTI) August 5, 2019
Lying to everyone about a terror attack to create military siege in #Kashmir and further occupying the state by cutting off internet, network, putting elected leaders under house arrest, also getting non-Kashmiris out to create a perfect environment for genocide. wah! #Article370
— Aritry (She/Her) (@aritry) August 5, 2019
Kashmir under military siege as 40k troops are sent to the world's MOST militarised place. Total communication blackout as Indians (commoners & celebrities) rally for the "final solution"/share adverts to buy land after recent declarations. Military occupation+Settler Colonialism
— nooran 🍉🚜🌾🍁 (@purpleremnants) August 5, 2019
End siege in Kashmir!
Governance by conspiracy and coup: that's democracy under the Modi-Shah duopoly!
Like the 500 & 1000 rupee notes, Article 370 and the entire spirit of the Constitution has been junked today.#Article370 #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/th3CkacAYn— CPIML Liberation (@cpimlliberation) August 5, 2019
Sheikh Abdullah will definitely be turning in his grave, with what folly he did 70 years back. Sigh ! A state under seige #KashmirUnderSiege https://t.co/mbB5WC6mhZ
— Aqsa (@aqsa006) August 5, 2019