Kashmir still under lockdown as India forces region into a new era
India this week formally implemented legislation approved by Parliament in August that removes Indian-controlled Kashmir’s semiautonomous status and begins direct federal rule of the disputed area amid a harsh security lockdown and widespread public disenchantment.
The legislation divides the former state of Jammu-Kashmir into two federally governed territories.
Government forces have been on high alert to prevent anti-India protests or rebel attacks. Tens of thousands of police and paramilitary soldiers have been patrolling streets and manning checkpoints across the region. Shops, schools and businesses have mostly remained closed since August and streets have been largely deserted.
G. C. Murmu, a new civilian administrator appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government with the title of Lieutenant Governor, assumed office on Thursday. The region previously was headed by a governor.
Indian authorities also changed the name of the state-run radio station Radio Kashmir Srinagar to All India Radio Srinagar. The station started broadcasting even before India gained independence from British colonialists in 1947. Srinagar is the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
The most visible change is the absence of Kashmir’s own flag and constitution, which were eliminated as part of the region’s new status. But the most contentious point for many people is the threat of land grabs by Indians outside the region with the formal abrogation of a clause in the Indian Constitution that safeguarded Kashmiris’ exclusive right to land ownership.
Some other changes that have occurred since August:
Information warfare
Ahead of the biggest political change in Indian-administered Kashmir, authorities shut down internet access, mobile and landline phone service and cable TV for the region’s 12.5 million people. With international pressure mounting to restore freedoms, authorities have begun easing the restrictions, lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and some cellphone service.
Authorities continue to limit internet access, saying it is likely to be used by insurgents to organise antiIndia protests and violence.
Despite a siege by tens of thousands of government forces, hundreds of anti-India protests and clashes have erupted across the region. Government forces have fired tear gas, shotguns and firearms to prevent stone-throwing protesters from marching, killing at least three people and injuring hundreds.
At least 4000 people, mostly young men, have been arrested since the security lockdown was imposed in the first week of August. Indian officials say at least 3000 have since been released.
About 250 of those still being held have been moved to various Indian jails outside Kashmir. Records show that about 300 of those are being held under the Public Safety Act, which allows authorities to detain people for up to two years without trial.
Kashmiri people’s hopes rest with India’s Supreme Court, which is to begin hearings early this month on petitions challenging the validity of the abrogation of Article 370 of the constitution, which gave a special status to Kashmir. A decision is expected within several months.
Contested region
Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan claim all of Kashmir and each controls part of the Himalayan region. Pakistan has reacted strongly to the changes imposed by India in the area it administers by downgrading diplomatic relations with New Delhi and ending bilateral trade. It also has stopped train, bus and postal services. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over control of Kashmir.