Asia-PacificHuman RightsIndia

Kashmiris to continue resistance

It’s almost a month since India revoked Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status and the region is witnessing a tough security clampdown, communication blackout and protest close-down.

Often the summer season in picturesque Kashmir is linked to tourism and economy. However, many summer seasons in this troubled Himalayan valley have passed like this. Locked down, deserted and silent. During this season, Dal Lake, which is considered the pride of main city of Srinagar, would otherwise bloom with tourists but today everything is in standstill.

Since India revoked Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status on August 5 in the Muslim-majority valley region life has come to a complete halt. Amid India’s ever toughest security and communication clampdown, people here are registering their protest against India’s decisions by staying home, closing business and shops and by shunning schools.

The region’s economy, which is partly dependent on tourism besides horticulture and agriculture, is witnessing fracture due to the prevailing circumstances.

The continued turmoil in this war-weary region is posing an existential threat to the millions of people living in this region. Analysts call Kashmir India’s experimental ground.

Despite a crippled economy and worsening political situation in the region, people of Kashmir are reluctant to give up. They say unless the international community responds to their pleas, they will not stop their peaceful struggle.

Back to top button