India says easing restrictions in Kashmir ‘in phased manner’
The Indian government says it is easing the severe restrictions across Kashmir in a “phased manner,” days after it imposed a curfew and communication blackout in the Muslim-majority Himalayan region.
The Indian Home Ministry said in a Twitter post on Tuesday that the restrictions “were being eased out in a phased manner” in the valley.
Normal communication in the Jammu division of the region “has been restored after assessment by relevant local authorities,” it said.
Medical services were also being provided “without any hindrance” and the availability of medicines was “ensured” in every hospital across the region, according to the ministry.
A main highway through the region “continues to function normally,” with 100 heavy vehicles “plying daily,” carrying fuel and other basic necessities of life.
Earlier, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal told India’s Supreme Court during a hearing against the lockdown that security appeared to be improving in Kashmir. “The situation in J&K (Jammu & Kashmir) is being reviewed every day and there are signs of improvement.”
Indian authorities last week imposed security restrictions in Kashmir, fearing massive protests after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended the Himalayan region’s seven decades of autonomy. Modi has claimed that the decision was necessary for Kashmir’s economic development and to stop “terrorism.”
After the decision to scrap Kashmir’s autonomy, India dispatched thousands of additional troops to the Himalayan region, declared a strict curfew, shut down telecommunications and internet services, and arrested political leaders and pro-independence campaigners.
Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947. Both countries claim all of Kashmir and have fought three wars over the territory.
Pakistan has called the decision “illegal” and has expelled the Indian ambassador to Islamabad.
Other countries, particularly Iran and China, have called for restraint and de-escalation.
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