Economic lock and curfew | The tension increases …

From Srinagar, Kashmir

Kashmir was blocked yesterday after the Indian authorities deployed troops and again imposed a curfew to try to stop the planned protests. A large number of police and paramilitaries were sent across the disputed territory and the roads were blocked by barricades. A UN military observation office in Srinagar was also sealed with barbed wire.

The police announced by loudspeaker that the people were to stay indoors because of the re-imposition of section 144, an Indian government ordinance banning the gathering of more than four people in public places. Posters were placed this week, inviting residents of Srinagar to protest against India's decision to eliminate Kashmir's special status, which limits some of its autonomy.

The inhabitants said to the Independent that a thousand demonstrators gathered in the Srinagar Anchar region were preparing to go to the office of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan before being expelled by the armed forces. In several places, people threw stones at the armed personnel, who fired bullets and tear gas in response. According to the information received, at least 152 people were injured.

Shahana Manzoor, 32, said it was difficult to get to the local maternity ward where her sister had been admitted. She said, "There were hundreds of armed personnel on the roads to prevent people from going out." Restrictions on free movement in Kashmir are causing shortages of food and medicine. The locals also said that paramilitary forces prevented working in the only children's hospital near the UN office.

About 2,000 people have been arrested for staging protests in Kashmir, a senior police official said L & # 39; Independent under condition of anonymity. He confirmed that the restrictions had been tightened and that 250 additional paramilitary forces had been sent to stop the demonstrations.

From the Independent of Great Britain. Special for Page / 12
Translation: Celita Doyhambéhère