SRINAGAR (India): Big queues formed in Kashmir’s main city yesterday outside cash machines and food stores as Indian authorities eased a crippling curfew to let the Himalayan region prepare for a major Muslim festival, residents said.
But huge numbers of troops remained on the streets a day after security forces used tear gas to break up a demonstration by about 8,000 people against the government’s move to revoke Kashmir’s autonomy, they added.
The Eid al-Adha festival tomorrow looms as the next big test for the week-old Indian lock down in the Muslim-majority region, where the government has ended decades old rights to property and jobs for local Kashmiris.
Internet and phone lines have been cut and curfew restrictions have been imposed to prevent unrest over the constitutional move which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said was needed to bring peace and prosperity to the troubled region. More cars and pedestrians were on the streets yesterday.
“We can do more but it is still tough, everyone is closely watched,” said one resident. “Our lives are still dominated by razor wire and checkpoints.”
“Bank machines are running out of cash so there are queues at every machine where notes may be available. People also need food for Eid,” added a second resident.
Modi said in a nationwide speech this week that Kashmir people would have “no problem” for the festival. – AFP
