Strict curfew, communication blackout continues in occupied Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Strict curfew and communication blackout continued in occupied Kashmir for a ninth day after a security lockdown since last Monday, when India’s Hindu-majority government rescinded years of autonomy and gave full control to New Delhi.

Officials eased restrictions earlier Sunday but imposed them again on Monday afternoon amid a tense atmosphere in the main city of Srinagar.

The Indian troops had clamped tight restrictions on mosques across the valley for Eid-ul-Azha festival, fearing anti-government protests over the stripping of the region's autonomy, according to residents. 

Internet and phone communications have been cut and tens of thousands of troop reinforcements have flooded the main city of Srinagar and other towns and villages in the occupied valley.

Residents had been confined to their houses due to stringent restrictions amid all the communication links of the territory with the outside world snapped by the authorities.

Monday, which marked the first day of Eid-ul Azha, saw people not being able to offer Eid prayers and slaughter sacrificial animals.

According to Kashmir Media Service, announcements were made on loudspeakers and people were warned not to come out of their houses. 

The Himalayan region's biggest mosque, the Jama Masjid, was ordered shut and people were only allowed to pray in smaller local mosques so that no big crowds could gather.