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2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown

2022-12-23T21:37:29Z

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{{short description|Lockdown imposed after revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2022}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = 2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown
| subtitle =
| partof = the [[Insurgency in Kashmir]]<br/>and [[Kashmir conflict]]<ref name="The New York Times 2019">{{cite web | title=India Says It Will Ease Restrictions in Kashmir | website=The New York Times | date=2019-08-16 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/world/asia/kashmir-india.html | access-date=2020-11-10}}</ref>
| image =[[File:Jammu and Kashmir in India (de-facto).svg|300px]]<br />Map of India with Jammu and Kashmir, administered as a [[union territory]], highlighted in red
| caption =
| date = {{ubl|5 August 2019 – 5 February 2021 (1 year, 6 months and 1 day)<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=4G internet services restored in Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/4g-internet-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-286694-2021-02-05|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Business Today|date=5 February 2021 |language=hi}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=2021-02-06|title=18 months after split, downgrade, 4G mobile Internet back in J&K|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-internet-services-restored-7176371/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2021-02-06|title=17 months on, 4G internet services restored in Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/17-months-on-4g-internet-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-101612564917419.html|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
|
2 September 2021 - 4 September 2021 (2 days) (Preventative security lockdown due to the death of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-08|title=Restrictions eased, situation fully normal in Kashmir: DGP|url=https://www.risingkashmir.com/-Restrictions-eased--situation-fully-normal-in-Kashmir--DGP--91598|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Rising Kashmir|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-07|title=Mobile internet services restored in Srinagar, Budgam|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/mobile-internet-services-restored-in-srinagar-budgam-1028063.html|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Masoodi|first=Nazir|date=7 September 2021|editor-last=Srinivasan|editor-first=Chandrashekar|others=PTI|title=Internet Curb Eased, Situation Normal: J&K Cops After Separatist's Burial|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-news-situation-normal-j-k-police-on-internet-ban-after-syed-geelani-burial-2532369|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907054320/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-news-situation-normal-j-k-police-on-internet-ban-after-syed-geelani-burial-2532369 |archive-date=7 September 2021 }}</ref>

}}
| place = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]
| coordinates = {{coord|34.0333|N|74.6667|E|display=inline,title}}
| causes = [[Insurgency in Kashmir]], [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|Revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status]]<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Bajekal|first=Naina|date=23 October 2019|title=As India Starts to Lift Kashmir Restrictions, Life Isn't Returning to Normal|url=https://time.com/5706847/what-happens-now-kashmir/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717100054/https://time.com/5706847/what-happens-now-kashmir/|archive-date=17 July 2020|access-date=9 November 2020|magazine=Time}}</ref>
| methods = [[Curfew]], [[Communications blackout|communications]] and [[media blackout]], increased [[Indian Armed Forces|military presence]], Barring court cases against the autonomy revocation
| status = {{ubl|Initial lockdown ended on 5 February 2021, Syed Geelani lockdown ended on 4 September 2021<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-02|title=India locks down restive Kashmir after burial of separatist leader|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/india-locks-down-restive-kashmir-after-burial-separatist-leader-2021-09-02/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Reuters|language=en}}</ref> (7 September 2021 for Srinagar and Budgam)<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | All communications services restored (On an average Internet services are suspended in [[Kashmir Division|South Kashmir]] districts once a week for militancy related precautionary measures)<ref>{{Cite web|title=3 cops martyred, 3 Al-Badr militants killed in 3 shootouts in Kashmir|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/3-cops-martyred-3-al-badr-militants-killed-in-3-shootouts-in-kashmir/|access-date=2021-02-28|website=www.dailyexcelsior.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India restores 4G internet services in two districts of Kashmir|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/8/17/india-restores-4g-internet-services-in-two-districts-of-kashmir|access-date=2020-11-09|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref> | Extra security forces withdrawn<ref>{{Cite news|title=Centre orders immediate withdrawal of 10,000 troops from Jammu and Kashmir|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/centre-orders-immediate-withdrawal-of-10000-troops-from-jammu-and-kashmir/articleshow/77635935.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> | Resumption of tourist and economic activity<ref name=":7">{{cite web
|url=https://www.risingkashmir.com/-Srinagar-airport-becomes-first-in-India-to-cross-pre-Covid-passenger-arrival-91213
|title=Srinagar airport becomes first in India to cross pre-Covid passenger arrival
|last=Yattoo
|first=Irfan
|date=August 28, 2021
|publisher=[[Rising Kashmir]]
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://archive.today/rt890
|archive-date=August 31, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{cite web
|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/front-page/lg-launches-mission-youths-jk-tourist-village-network
|title=LG launches Mission Youth's J&K Tourist Village Network
|date=September 4, 2021
|publisher=[[Greater Kashmir]]
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://archive.today/9Gvdf
|archive-date=September 5, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-09-07|title=With Rs 4,000 crore power losses, LG directs PDD to reduce deficit by 10% within next 3 months|url=https://freepresskashmir.news/2021/09/07/with-rs-4000-crore-power-losses-lg-directs-pdd-to-reduce-deficit-by-10-within-next-3-months/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Free Press Kashmir}}</ref>
}}
| side1 =
| side2 =
| side3 =
| leadfigures1 =
| leadfigures2 =
| leadfigures3 =
| howmany1 =
| howmany2 =
| howmany3 =
| casualties1 =
| casualties2 =
| casualties3 =
| fatalities = ~69 (including security forces, civilian, militants)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sidiq|first=Nusrat|date=31 December 2019|title=69 deaths in Kashmir since Aug. 5, rights group says|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/69-deaths-in-kashmir-since-aug-5-rights-group-says/1688788|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503102827/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/69-deaths-in-kashmir-since-aug-5-rights-group-says/1688788|archive-date=3 May 2020|access-date=9 November 2020|website=Anadolu Agency}}</ref>
| injuries =
| arrests = ~3,800{{endash}}4,000 (including 200 politicians, 100 [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|separatist leader]]s)<ref name="reuters"/>
| detentions =
| charged = 3,000 civilian were listed as [[Stone pelting in Kashmir|stone pelters]], 150 people were accused of alleged association with militant groups involving [[Kashmir conflict]]<ref name="reuters"/>
| fined =
| casualties_label = Casualties and losses
| notes =
| sidebox =
}}

The '''2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown''' was a preventive [[Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir|security lockdown]] and [[Censorship in Kashmir|communications blackout]] that had been imposed throughout the Indian-administered [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] following the [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|revocation of Article 370]] which lasted until February 2021, with the goal of preemptively curbing unrest, violence and protests. Most separatist leaders had and have been detained in the crackdown.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hussain|first=Aijaz|date=August 21, 2019|title=At Least 2,300 People Have Been Detained During the Lockdown in Kashmir|magazine=Time|url=https://time.com/5657293/india-kashmir-detention-security-lockdown/|url-status=dead|access-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821182839/https://time.com/5657293/india-kashmir-detention-security-lockdown/|archive-date=21 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-08-09|title=Inside Kashmir's lockdown: 'Even I will pick up a gun'|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49294301|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Farooq|first1=Azhar|last2=Ratcliffe|first2=Rebecca|date=23 August 2019|title=Kashmir city on lockdown after calls for protest march|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/23/kashmir-city-srinagar-india-lockdown-calls-protest-march|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823092417/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/23/kashmir-city-srinagar-india-lockdown-calls-protest-march |archive-date=23 August 2019 }}</ref> The Indian government had stated that the tough lockdown measures and substantially increased deployment of [[Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir|security forces]] had been aimed at [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|curbing terrorism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/india-pm-defends-kashmir-decision-1784113|title=India PM defends Kashmir decision|date=9 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|authors=AFP|date=2019-08-09|title=India PM defends Kashmir decision|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/india-pm-defends-kashmir-decision-1784113|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=The Daily Star|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205223121/https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/india-pm-defends-kashmir-decision-1784113 |archive-date=5 December 2019 }}</ref> The government did not want a repeat of the death and injuries seen during the [[2016–2017 Kashmir unrest]].<ref name=":352">Abhinav Pandya (October 2019). [https://www.vifindia.org/sites/default/files/J-and-k-Review-of-Developments-Post-the-Abrogation-of-Article-370.pdf J&K: Review of Developments Post the Abrogation of Article 370]. ''Vivekananda International Foundation''. Retrieved on 20 October 2021.</ref>

The revocation and subsequent lockdown drew condemnation from several countries, especially [[Pakistan]], which had lodged protests with India on multiple occasions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ali|first=Syed Mohammad|date=9 July 2020|title=Unanticipated challenge to Article 370|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2254108/unanticipated-challenge-to-article-370|url-status=live|access-date=2020-11-09|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710095941/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2254108/unanticipated-challenge-to-article-370 |archive-date=10 July 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Goel 2019">{{cite web | last=Goel | first=Vindu | title=What Is Article 370, and Why Does It Matter in Kashmir? | website=The New York Times | date=2019-02-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/world/asia/india-pakistan-crisis.html | access-date=2020-11-10}}</ref>

On 5 February 2021 Jammu and Kashmir's Principal Secretary of Power and Information announced that 4G internet services would be restored in the entire union territory.<ref name="NIE2020"/> Subsequently, the ban of 4G and 3G services ended.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />

== Timeline ==
The lockdown officially started on 5 August 2019, following the [[revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]] via the scrapping of [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India|Article 370]] and [[Article 35A of the Constitution of India|Article 35A]] of the [[Constitution of India|Indian constitution]] and subsequent introduction of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019]].<ref>{{Cite web|authors=IANS|date=26 August 2019|title=Restrictions eased as Kashmir enters Day 22 of lockdown|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/restrictions-eased-as-kashmir-enters-day-22-of-lockdown/1604710|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Outlook India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020123710/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/restrictions-eased-as-kashmir-enters-day-22-of-lockdown/1604710 |archive-date=20 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No respite in sight as J&K lockdown enters 25th day |url=https://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/300819/no-respite-in-sight-as-jk-lockdown-enters-25th-day.html |work=The Asian Age |date=30 August 2022}}</ref> Since the lockdown was brought into effect, no foreign journalist has been allowed by the [[Government of India|Indian government]] to report from the new [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="VoA">{{cite news|date=5 October 2019|title=US Senator Barred From Kashmir as Lockdown Enters 3rd Month|work=Voice of America|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-senator-barred-kashmir-lockdown-enters-3rd-month|access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref>

According to a 6 September 2019 report by the Indian government, nearly 4,000 people have been arrested in the [[Kashmir conflict|disputed region]]. Among those arrested were more than 200 local [[Kashmiris|Kashmiri]] politicians, including two former [[List of chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir|chief ministers]] of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]], along with more than 100 leaders and activists from the [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]].<ref name="reuters">{{cite news|last1=Ghoshal|first1=Devjyot|last2=Pal|first2=Alasdair|date=12 September 2019|title=Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-detentions/thousands-detained-in-indian-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-reveals-idUSKCN1VX142|access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref>

On 1 October 2019, a three-judge bench consisting of justices [[N. V. Ramana]], [[Ramayyagari Subhash Reddy]] and [[Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai]] of the [[Supreme Court of India]], heard the appeal of seven petitions on the lockdown.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rajagopal|first=Krishnadas|date=2019-09-30|title=J&K shutdown: 3-judge SC Bench to hear 7 pleas|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-tags-petitions-relating-to-kashmir-lockdown-constitution-bench-to-begin-hearing-from-oct-1/article29555148.ece|access-date=2021-10-20|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On 3 October 2019, journalists in Kashmir staged a [[Sit-in|sit-in protest]] against the enforced communications blackout, describing the total blockade of [[internet]] services and [[mobile phone]]s as a "gag".<ref>{{cite news |title=60 days of lockdown: Kashmir journalists protest against clampdown, demand restoration of internet |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kashmir-lockdown-journalists-protest-clampdown-demand-mobile-phones-internet-1605920-2019-10-03 |work=India Today |date=October 3, 2022}}</ref>

On 4 October 2019, the Indian government denied [[United States]] [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Chris Van Hollen]]'s request to travel to Jammu and Kashmir.<ref name="VoA"/> Meanwhile, [[Sandeep Pandey]], an education reformer, and other activists who were on an informal fact-finding mission were also barred from leaving the [[Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport|airport]] in [[Srinagar]].<ref name="VoA"/> On the same day, protests were held by the local Kashmiri people, where they chanted [[Pakistan Zindabad|pro-Pakistan slogans]] and demanded an end to what they described as the "Indian [[Military occupation|occupation]] of their [[Kashmir|territory]]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Vall|first=Mohammed|date=5 October 2019|title=Kashmir under lockdown: Anger over 'unacceptable burdens'|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/kashmir-lockdown-anger-unacceptable-burdens-191005142949707.html|access-date=20 October 2022}}</ref>

On 24 October 2019, village council elections were held across Jammu and Kashmir, despite a boycott by most political parties and the detention of many mainstream local politicians; political scientist Noor Ahmed Baba called it "more like an artificial exercise".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hussain|first=Aijaz|date=Oct 24, 2019|title=India holds Kashmir elections despite lockdown, boycott|newspaper=Washington Post|agency=AP|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/india-runs-kashmir-council-vote-despite-lockdown-and-boycott/2019/10/24/beac3118-f614-11e9-b2d2-1f37c9d82dbb_story.html|url-status=dead|access-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025134531/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/india-runs-kashmir-council-vote-despite-lockdown-and-boycott/2019/10/24/beac3118-f614-11e9-b2d2-1f37c9d82dbb_story.html|archive-date=October 25, 2022}}</ref>

Mobile phone services were barred for the 85th consecutive day on 28 October, for at least 2.5 million [[Prepaid mobile phone|prepaid]] cell phone users in Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-28|title=Kashmir lockdown: Prepaid mobile services remain barred for 85th day|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/kashmir-lockdown-prepaid-mobile-services-remain-barred-for-85th-day/story-wFkigYs5ORPGvhjCFQWTDP.html|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> In January 2020, a [[2G]] internet connection was established in Jammu & Kashmir, albeit only for limited [[Whitelisting|whitelisted]] sites approved by the Indian government.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-01-25|title=2G mobile Internet services restored in J&K|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-mobile-internet-restored-in-kashmir-from-midnight/article30650005.ece|access-date=2021-10-20|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Social Media was completely banned. Some Security force personnel used to check mobile phones of the local Kashmiris to see any social media access using [[VPN]].

A new curfew was imposed a day ahead of the first anniversary of India's decision to revoke the disputed region's semi-autonomy, on 4 August 2020. Officials announced a two-day "full curfew" citing intelligence reports of looming protests in the [[Muslims|Muslim]]-majority region, where locals have called for the anniversary to be marked as a "black day".<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 August 2020|title=Curfew in Kashmir ahead of autonomy revocation anniversary|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/8/4/curfew-in-kashmir-ahead-of-autonomy-revocation-anniversary|url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-31|website=Al Jazeera|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227232502/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/8/4/curfew-in-kashmir-ahead-of-autonomy-revocation-anniversary |archive-date=27 February 2021 }}</ref>

On 16 August 2020, [[4G LTE]] mobile services were restored in two districts of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on a trial basis, after the [[Supreme Court of India]] ruled that an indefinite shutdown was effectively illegal.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Fayaz |last=Bukhari |editor=Alison Williams|date=16 August 2020|title=India restores 4G internet services in parts of Kashmir|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-internet/india-restores-4g-internet-services-in-parts-of-kashmir-idINKCN25C0PD|url-status=live|access-date=2020-08-16|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816184047/https://in.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-internet/india-restores-4g-internet-services-in-parts-of-kashmir-idINKCN25C0PD |archive-date=16 August 2020 }}</ref>

At least 75 Kashmiri leaders and activists were pre-emptively arrested in December 2020 to limit political unrest after a number of opposition political parties won [[elections in Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 December 2020|title=India arrests 75 in Kashmir after local elections|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/26/india-detains-75-in-kashmir-after-local-election|url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-31|website=Al Jazeera|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226084532/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/26/india-detains-75-in-kashmir-after-local-election |archive-date=26 December 2020 }}</ref>

On 5 February 2021, Jammu and Kashmir's Principal Secretary of Power and Information, Rohit Kansal, announced that 4G internet services would be restored in the entire union territory.<ref name="NIE2020">{{cite web|date=5 February 2021|title=4G internet services to be restored in Jammu and Kashmir after 18 months|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/feb/05/4g-internet-services-to-be-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-18-months-2260063.html|url-status=live|access-date=6 February 2021|publisher=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205142639/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/feb/05/4g-internet-services-to-be-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-18-months-2260063.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 }}</ref> This was applauded by the union territory former Chief Ministers [[Omar Abdullah]] and [[Farooq Abdullah]].<ref name="NIE2020"/> The move was lauded by [[Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party]] president [[Altaf Bukhari]] and Srinagar Mayor [[Junaid Azim Mattu]].<ref name=":6" />

On September 2, security forces imposed a new lockdown and restriction on communications until 4 September 2021, following the death of [[Syed Ali Shah Geelani]], a top Kashmiri separatist leader.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bukhari|first=Fayaz|date=2021-09-02|title=India locks down restive Kashmir after burial of separatist leader|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/india-locks-down-restive-kashmir-after-burial-separatist-leader-2021-09-02/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Reuters|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902074311/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/india-locks-down-restive-kashmir-after-burial-separatist-leader-2021-09-02/ |archive-date=2 September 2021 }}</ref> In flak jackets and riot gear, armed police and paramilitary personnel patrolled the streets in [[Srinagar]] on 4 September 2021 and ordered residents to stay indoors.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=3 September 2021|title=India extends Kashmir lockdown after separatist icon's death|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/3/india-kashmir-lockdown-syed-ali-shah-geelani-death|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Al Jazeera|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903094633/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/3/india-kashmir-lockdown-syed-ali-shah-geelani-death |archive-date=3 September 2021 }}</ref> Razor wire, steel barricades, and armored vehicles blocked some streets.<ref name=":0" /> The situation in Srinagar and Budgam returned to normal by 7 September.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Yusuf|first=Shabir Ibn|date=8 September 2021|title=Mobile internet restored in Srinagar, Budgam|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/front-page/mobile-internet-restored-in-srinagar-budgam|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Greater Kashmir|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910121813/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/front-page/mobile-internet-restored-in-srinagar-budgam |archive-date=10 September 2021 }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Nabi|first=Danish Bin|date=8 September 2021|title=Mobile internet restored in Srinagar, Budgam|url=http://brighterkashmir.com//news/mobile-internet-restored-in-srinagar-budgam|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Brighter Kashmir|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910123027/http://brighterkashmir.com//news/mobile-internet-restored-in-srinagar-budgam |archive-date=10 September 2021 }}</ref>

== Re-introduction of tourism and recovery ==
=== Tourism ===
In October 2019, the Indian government planned to re-introduce tourism in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and lift security restrictions for all foreigners visiting the region, although they would still be prevented from using mobile internet or cellphones. 2G mobile services were restored in January 2020, while 4G services in Ganderbal and Udhampur were restarted in August 2020. 4G mobile Internet services were fully restored across Jammu and Kashmir in February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hussain|first=Aijaz|date=8 October 2019|others=Associated Press|title=India to allow tourists in Kashmir, but they likely won't have access to internet or phones|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6004899/india-kashmir-tourists-lockdown/|url-status=live|access-date=20 October 2021|publisher=Global News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008163205/https://globalnews.ca/news/6004899/india-kashmir-tourists-lockdown/ |archive-date=8 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-05|title=After 18 Months, 4G Mobile Internet Services Being Restored in Entire Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/4g-mobile-internet-services-to-be-restored-in-entire-jammu-and-kashmir-says-official-3395612.html|access-date=2021-10-20|website=News18|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> In the wake of Syed Ali Shah Geelani's death, a new preemptive blackout was done in early September 2021, which ended completely on 7 September 2021.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=India extends Kashmir lockdown after separatist icon's death|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/3/india-kashmir-lockdown-syed-ali-shah-geelani-death|access-date=2021-09-09|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

Figures show 19,000 tourists visited the Union Territory in January 2021, compared to only 3,750 tourists that visited Srinagar in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-19|title=Tourism is reviving in Jammu and Kashmir, proves the rise in number of tourists|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/tourism-is-reviving-in-jammu-and-kashmir-proves-the-rise-in-number-of-tourists-101613698673400.html|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> In August 2021, [[Srinagar Airport]] reported over 8000 passengers in one day. Kuldeep Singh (Director of Srinagar Airport) revealed that out of 72 major airports in India, Srinagar International Airport had become the first to surpass pre Covid passenger arrivals in August 2021. The director stated, "On Friday alone at Srinagar airport, 8515 passengers traveled on 74 flights to and fro and within this month, we are expecting it will cross above 10000."<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tourism-industry-in-kashmir-booms-again-8000-travellers-fly-in-and-out-in-a-day-408787
|title=Tourism industry in Kashmir booms again: 8,000 travellers fly in and out in a day
|last=Lone
|first=Idrees
|date=August 27, 2021
|publisher=[[WION (TV channel)|WION]]
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://archive.today/Mm8QY
|archive-date=August 31, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

In July 2021, a total of around 10.5 lakh (1.05 million) tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, and rose to 11.22 lakh (1.122 million) tourists in August 2021.<ref name=":8" />

=== Economic recovery ===
In 2021, the government of Jammu and Kashmir launched an industrial policy. By mid August Rs 23,000 crore (230 billion INR) worth of investment proposals were cleared by the J&K Government, of which 12,000 crore was in [[Jammu Division]] and 11,000 crore in [[Kashmir Division]]. Investment proposals rose to Rs 25,000 crore (250 billion INR) by early September, with investments in [[Jammu Division]] rising to 12,800 crore and [[Kashmir Division]] to 12,200 crore.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pargal|first=Sanjeev|date=2021-08-22|title=Jammu gets industrial investment worth Rs 12,000 cr, Kashmir 11,000 cr|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/jammu-gets-industrial-investment-worth-rs-12000-cr-kashmir-11000-cr/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Daily Excelsior|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822225400/https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/jammu-gets-industrial-investment-worth-rs-12000-cr-kashmir-11000-cr/ |archive-date=22 August 2021 }}</ref><ref name=":9" />

==International reactions==
*{{flag|United States}} –[[President of the United States|President]] [[Donald Trump]] volunteered to serve as a mediator for the [[Kashmir conflict|Kashmir dispute]] between [[India]] and [[Pakistan]], but only if both countries accepted his offer.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 Sep 2019|title=US President Trump reiterates offer to mediate Kashmir crisis|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/president-trump-reiterates-offer-mediate-kashmir-crisis-190924093341078.html|access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref> [[Alice Wells]], the [[Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs]], said in a statement that the U.S. hoped "to see rapid action – the lifting of the restrictions and the release of those who have been detained". She added that the U.S. was "concerned by widespread detentions, including those of politicians and business leaders, and the restrictions on the residents of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]".<ref>{{cite news|date=30 September 2019|title=US wants Kashmir restrictions lifted|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/hold-general-assembly-2019-latest-updates-190916224113531.html|access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref>
*{{flag|Pakistan}} – Pakistan reacted with extreme alarm to the [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status]] and subsequent lockdown, in what it viewed as the [[Unilateralism|unilateral]] [[annexation]] of an internationally [[Territorial dispute|disputed]] region.<ref>{{Cite web|last=PTI|date=2019-10-06|title=Imran Khan issues warning as JKLF starts Article 370 protest march from PoK to Kashmir|url=https://theprint.in/india/imran-khan-issues-warning-as-jklf-starts-article-370-protest-march-from-pok-to-kashmir/301891/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-08-05|title=Article 370: What happened with Kashmir and why it matters|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49234708|access-date=2020-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Human Rights Crisis in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir|url=http://embassyofpakistanusa.org/human-rights-crisis-in-indian-illegally-occupied-jammu-kashmir/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Embassy of Pakistan USA|language=en-US}}</ref> Pakistani officials said that the country would "downgrade" [[India–Pakistan relations|diplomatic ties with India]], dismiss the [[List of High Commissioners of India to Pakistan|Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan]], and halt [[bilateral trade]] with [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news|date=7 August 2019|title=Pakistan to downgrade ties with India over Kashmir move|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/pakistan-downgrade-ties-india-kashmir-move-190807134255247.html|access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref> The [[Government of India|Indian government]]'s actions were met with outrage by the [[Pakistanis|Pakistani people]], who held nationwide protests against the "illegal Indian military occupation" and in [[Kashmir Solidarity Day|solidarity with the Kashmiri people]], with the [[Government of Pakistan]] subsequently designating 5 August to be observed as the ''[[Youm-e-Istehsal]]'' ({{translation|'Day of Exploitation'}}) annually.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2020-08-05|title=Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir: India learned how to change regional demography from Israel, says President Alvi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1572724|url-status=live|access-date=2020-11-09|website=DAWN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806041257/https://www.dawn.com/news/1572724 |archive-date=6 August 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=31 July 2020|title=Pakistan to observe 'Youm-e-Istehsal' on Aug 5 in solidarity with Kashmiris|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/07/31/pakistan-to-observe-youm-e-istehsal-on-aug-5-in-solidarity-with-kashmiris/|url-status=live|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Pakistan Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804230607/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/07/31/pakistan-to-observe-youm-e-istehsal-on-aug-5-in-solidarity-with-kashmiris/ |archive-date=4 August 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistan to mark Aug 5 as Day of Exploitation to protest abrogation of Article 370|url=https://southasiamonitor.org/diplomacydisputes/pakistan-mark-aug-5-day-exploitation-protest-abrogation-article-370|access-date=2020-11-09|website=South Asia Monitor|language=en}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} – the UAE ambassador to India, Dr. Al Banna said that his country had acknowledged the latest events in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. He stated that this restructuring was not an unprecedented occurrence in the [[History of India (1947–present)|history of India]] and that the decision was intended to decrease regional inequality and enhance operational efficiency for the Indian government. He labelled India's latest decision in Jammu and Kashmir to be its internal issue.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 Aug 2019|title=UAE Ambassador to India reacts to Kashmir decision|work=Khaleej Times|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/uae-ambassador-to-india-reacts-to-kashmir-decision-1.1565038437014|url-access=subscription|access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref>
*{{flag|Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}} – A resolution passed by the OIC's Council of Foreign Ministers during a session held in [[Niamey]], Niger stated that the organisation "rejects the illegal and unilateral actions by India on August 5, 2019, to change the internationally recognised disputed status of the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and demands that India rescind its illegal steps”.<ref>{{cite news |title=India, Pakistan trade barbs over ‘OIC resolution’ on Kashmir |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/1/india-pakistan-trade-barbs-over-oic-resolution-on-kashmir |work=Al Jazeera |date=1 December 2022}}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|}} [[Amnesty International]] – The [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]] for human rights started an online petition titled ''Let Kashmir Speak'', which demanded a lifting of "the blackout of communications in Jammu and Kashmir" while "letting the voices of the people of Kashmir be heard" and allowing "unconditional and unconstrained access to news and information from the [[Kashmir Valley|valley]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Let Kashmir Speak |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/let-kashmir-speak/ |work=Amnesty International}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Amnesty International calls for removal of communications blackout in occupied Kashmir |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1505356 |work=Dawn |date=September 15, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Amnesty International seeks end to curbs on J&K politicians, journalists |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/060820/amnesty-international-seeks-end-to-curbs-on-jk-politicians-journalis.html |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=August 6, 2022}}</ref>
*[[Human Rights Watch]] - The global rights group asked India to "release all those detained without charge and restore communications".<ref>{{cite web |title=Restrictions, Detentions Persist in Kashmir |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/10/07/restrictions-detentions-persist-kashmir |publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> It also called India to reverse its “abusive policies” in J&K and said it was appalled India continued with “its repression of Kashmiri Muslims”.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir curfew brought in as region marks one year since special status revoked |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/04/kashmir-curfew-brought-in-as-region-marks-one-year-since-special-status-revoked |work=The Guardian |date=4 August 2022}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Nations}} – The [[United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief|United Nations' special rapporteur on freedom of expression]], [[David Kaye (academic)|David Kaye]], said in a statement that "there's something about this shutdown that is draconian in a way other shutdowns usually are not".<ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir: India's 'draconian' blackout sets worrying precedent, warns UN |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/08/kashmir-communications-blackout-is-draconian-says-un-envoy |work=The Guardian |date=8 Aug 2022}}</ref> [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|Secretary-General]] [[António Guterres|Antonio Guterres]] raised concern over the new limitations placed on Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the latest events "could exacerbate the [[Human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir|human rights situation in the region]]". He urged Pakistan and India to exercise restraint with each other and to engage in bilateral dialogue to de-escalate the [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|already-sensitive situation]].<ref>{{cite news|date=8 August 2019|title=UN concern over Kashmir lockdown as hundreds reported arrested|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/concern-kashmir-lockdown-hundreds-reported-arrested-190808200958052.html|access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref> [[Michelle Bachelet]], UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, raised concern regarding "the human rights of Kashmiris, including restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, and the detention of local political leaders and activists" at the 42nd Session of the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bhatacherjee|first=Kallol|date=2019-09-09|title=UNHRC asks India to end lockdown in J&K|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/un-human-rights-chief-asks-india-pakistan-to-respect-and-protect-rights-of-kashmiris/article29375135.ece|url-access=limited|access-date=2021-10-20|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[States of emergency in India|State of emergency in India]]
*[[Human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir]]
*[[India–Pakistan relations|India-Pakistan relations]]
**[[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts]]
**[[Kashmir conflict]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jammu and Kashmir lockdown, 2019-2022}}
[[Category:2019 in India]]
[[Category:2020 in India]]
[[Category:2010s in Jammu and Kashmir|Lockdown]]
[[Category:Kashmir conflict]]
[[Category:2020s in Jammu and Kashmir|Lockdown]]

2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown

2022-12-23T21:37:29Z

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