Some allowed to walk on holy day in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India — Troops in India-administered Kashmir allowed some Muslims to walk to mosques alone or in pairs to pray for the Eid al-adha festival on Monday during a security lockdown that still forced most in the disputed region to stay indoors.

Some protesters demonstrated against the Indian government’s surprise revocation of Muslim-majority Kashmir’s special status last week. All communications and internet access remained cut off for an eighth day. The streets were deserted, with authorities not allowing large groups to gather in an effort to prevent anti-india demonstrations.

“Our hearts are on fire,” said Habibullah Bhat, 75, who said he came to offer prayers despite his failing health. “India has thrown us into the dark ages, but God is on our side and our resistance will win.”

Hundreds of worshippers gathered on a street in a neighborhood in Srinagar after the prayers and chanted “We want freedom” and “Go India, Go back,” witnesses said. Officials said the protest ended peacefully.

Elsewhere, two people were injured in violent incidents, senior police officer S.P. Pani said. He did not provide details.

India’s foreign ministry shared photos of people visiting mosques but didn’t specify where the photos were taken within the region, which New Delhi downgraded from a state to two federal territories a week ago.

Vijay Keshav Gokhale, the ministry’s top diplomat, said communications restrictions “will be gradually eased when we feel the law and order situation improves.”

The lockdown in India’s only Muslim-majority region is expected to last through Thursday, India’s independence day. The restrictions had been briefly eased for Friday prayers and for shopping ahead of Eid.