2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Unpetitprole
Last edited July 9, 2023
← Older editNewer edit →
VisualWikitext
>GreenC bot
Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5
robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Kashmir lockdown imposed after revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{short description|Lockdown imposed after revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
 
{{Infobox civil conflict
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}{{Infobox civil conflict
| title            = 2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown
| title            = 2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown
| subtitle        =  
| subtitle        =  
| partof          = the [[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>
| 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:IN-JK (2019).svg|300px]]<br />Map of India with Jammu and Kashmir, administered as a [[union territory]], highlighted in red (lighter shade indicates claimed but not controlled territories)
| 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          =  
| caption          =  
| date            = 5 August 2019 – 10 February 2021 <br />({{Age in years, months and days|year=2019|month=08|day=05}})
| 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]]
| place            = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]
| coordinates      = {{coord|34.0333|N|74.6667|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates      = {{coord|34.0333|N|74.6667|E|display=inline,title}}
| causes          = [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|Revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status]]<ref>{{Cite web|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|website=Time}}</ref>
| 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]]
| methods          = [[Curfew]], [[Communications blackout|communications]] and [[media blackout]], increased [[Indian Armed Forces|military presence]], Barring court cases against the autonomy revocation
| status          = Partially ongoing; 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>https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/centre-orders-immediate-withdrawal-of-10000-troops-from-jammu-and-kashmir/articleshow/77635935.cms</ref>
| 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
| result          =  
|url=https://www.risingkashmir.com/-Srinagar-airport-becomes-first-in-India-to-cross-pre-Covid-passenger-arrival-91213
| side1            =  
|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            =  
| side2            =  
| side3            =  
| side3            =  
| leadfigures1    =  
| leadfigures1    =
| leadfigures2    =  
| leadfigures2    =  
| leadfigures3    =  
| leadfigures3    =  
Line 38: Line 58:
}}
}}


The '''2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown''' was a [[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,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/communication-blackout-in-kashmir-devastating-time-for-india-to-lift-restrictions-us-house-committee-1607183-2019-10-08 |title=Communication blackout in Kashmir devastating, time for India to lift restrictions: US House Committee |website=indiatoday.in}}</ref> with the goal of preemptively curbing unrest, violence and protests. Thousands of civilians, mostly young men, had and have been detained in the crackdown.<ref>{{cite news |title=At Least 2,300 People Have Been Detained During the Lockdown in Kashmir |url=https://time.com/5657293/india-kashmir-detention-security-lockdown/ |work=Time |date=August 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir city on lockdown after calls for protest march |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/23/kashmir-city-srinagar-india-lockdown-calls-protest-march |work=The Guardian |date=23 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Inside Kashmir's lockdown: 'Even I will pick up a gun' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49294301 |work=BBC |date=10 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 2019}}</ref>
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|date=2020-07-09|title=Unanticipated challenge to Article 370|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2254108/unanticipated-challenge-to-article-370|access-date=2020-11-09|website=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</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>
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, Rohit Kansal, 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>https://zeenews.india.com/india/as-4g-gets-restored-foriegn-envoys-expected-to-visit-jammu-and-kashmir-2341731.html</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 ==
== 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 news |title=Restrictions eased as Kashmir enters Day 22 of lockdown |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/restrictions-eased-as-kashmir-enters-day-22-of-lockdown/articleshow/70839690.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=26 August 2019}}</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 2019}}</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 |title=US Senator Barred From Kashmir as Lockdown Enters 3rd Month |url=https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-senator-barred-kashmir-lockdown-enters-3rd-month |work=Voice of America |date=5 October 2019}}</ref>
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>


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 |title=Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-detentions/thousands-detained-in-indian-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-reveals-idUSKCN1VX142 |work=Reuters |date=September 12, 2019}}</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 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 |title=J&K shutdown: 3-judge SC Bench to hear 7 pleas |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-tags-petitions-relating-to-kashmir-lockdown-constitution-bench-to-begin-hearing-from-oct-1/article29555148.ece |work=The Hindu |date=October 1, 2019}}</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>


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, 2019}}</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]].


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 |title=Kashmir under lockdown: Anger over 'unacceptable burdens' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/kashmir-lockdown-anger-unacceptable-burdens-191005142949707.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=Oct 5, 2019}}</ref>
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 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 |title=India holds Kashmir elections despite lockdown, boycott |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 |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 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 25, 2019 |work=Washington Post |date=Oct 24, 2019}}</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>


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 news |title=Kashmir lockdown: Pre-paid mobile services barred for 85th day |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kashmir-lockdown-pre-paid-mobile-services-barred-for-85th-day/articleshow/71792102.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=Oct 28, 2019}}</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|title=2G mobile Internet services restored in J&K|language=en|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-mobile-internet-restored-in-kashmir-from-midnight/article30650005.ece|access-date=2020-08-11}}</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>


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|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|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</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 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|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-internet/india-restores-4g-internet-services-in-parts-of-kashmir-idINKCN25C0PD|title=India restores 4G internet services in parts of Kashmir|agency=Reuters|access-date=2020-08-16}}</ref>
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>


In December, the Indian government arrested at least 75 Kashmiri leaders and activists to forestall political unrest after an alliance of Kashmir's opposition political parties won [[elections in Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web|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|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</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" />


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 |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 |publisher=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=English |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>https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/17-months-on-4g-internet-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-101612564917419.html</ref>
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" />


== Re-introduction of tourism ==
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" />
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6004899/india-kashmir-tourists-lockdown/|title=India to allow tourists in Kashmir, but they likely won't have access to internet or phones|work=Aijaz Husain, [[Associated Press]] |publisher=global news}}</ref>


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>https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/tourism-is-reviving-in-jammu-and-kashmir-proves-the-rise-in-number-of-tourists-101613698673400.html</ref>
=== 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==
==International reactions==
*{{flag|United States}} – [[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 |title=US wants Kashmir restrictions lifted |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/hold-general-assembly-2019-latest-updates-190916224113531.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=1 Oct 2019}}</ref> U.S. lawmakers [[Ilhan Omar]],<ref>{{cite news |title=US congresswoman calls for 'immediate restoration of communication' in occupied Kashmir |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1501985 |work=Dawn |date=August 27, 2019}}</ref> [[Rashida Tlaib]]<ref>{{cite news |title=US congresswoman condemns India's 'unacceptable actions' in occupied Kashmir |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1505179 |work=Dawn |date=September 14, 2019}}</ref> and [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Communications blockade in occupied Kashmir must end: US lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1508376 |work=Dawn |date=October 1, 2019}}</ref> have also called for an end to the communications blockade. [[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 |title=US President Trump reiterates offer to mediate Kashmir crisis |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/president-trump-reiterates-offer-mediate-kashmir-crisis-190924093341078.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=24 Sep 2019}}</ref>
*{{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, and a further example of "Indian aggression" in what it considered to be "illegally occupied Pakistani territory".<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 |title=Pakistan to downgrade ties with India over Kashmir move |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/pakistan-downgrade-ties-india-kashmir-move-190807134255247.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=7 Aug 2019}}</ref> Pakistan's [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister]], [[Imran Khan]], warned that the lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the presence of close to 1,000,000<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-11-30|title=One million Indian troops in Kashmir a hurdle, says Pakistan|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/one-million-indian-troops-in-kashmir-a-hurdle-says-pakistan/story-IWFSOHU4UrAoU06OllOzAK.html|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dawn.com|date=2016-11-30|title=India has deployed more than 1 million troops in held Kashmir: Foreign Office|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1299621|access-date=2020-11-09|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Besieged by Indian troops, Kashmir mourns loss of autonomy|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/8/7/besieged-by-indian-troops-kashmir-mourns-loss-of-autonomy|access-date=2020-11-09|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ashraf|first=Ajaz|title='Do you need 700,000 soldiers to fight 150 militants?': Kashmiri rights activist Khurram Parvez|url=http://scroll.in/article/812010/do-you-need-700000-soldiers-to-fight-150-militants-kashmiri-rights-activist-khurram-parvez|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Vikram|date=2019-08-18|title=Forces deploy 1 million to guard Kashmir Valley|url=https://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/180819/forces-deploy-1-million-to-guard-kashmir-valley.html|access-date=2020-11-09|website=The Asian Age}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Vikram|date=2019-08-18|title=Forces deploy 1 million to guard every inch of Kashmir valley|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/180819/forces-deploy-1-million-to-guard-every-inch-of-kashmir-valley.html|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}</ref> [[Indian Armed Forces|Indian troops]] there was laying the groundwork for the alteration of Kashmir's [[Demographics of Kashmir|Muslim-majority demographic]] via [[genocide]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Welle (www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche|title=Kashmir: Pakistan's Khan warns of 'genocide of Muslims' {{!}} DW {{!}} 30.08.2019|url=https://www.dw.com/en/kashmir-pakistans-khan-warns-of-genocide-of-muslims/a-50225709|access-date=2020-11-09|website=DW.COM|language=en-GB}}</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=Dawn.com|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|access-date=2020-11-09|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistan to observe ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ on Aug 5 in solidarity with Kashmiris {{!}} Pakistan Today|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/07/31/pakistan-to-observe-youm-e-istehsal-on-aug-5-in-solidarity-with-kashmiris/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk}}</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|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|China}} – China said it was very troubled about the unfolding state of affairs in the newly-organized Indian [[union territory]] of Jammu and Kashmir. Chinese politician [[Hua Chunying]] urged both countries to show restraint and act sensibly. She stated that India and Pakistan should abstain from further escalatory measures that could radically alter the [[Status quo|existing state of affairs]] in the region. She called on both countries to settle the dispute through [[Diplomacy|dialogue]] in order to preserve peace and stability in the war-torn region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2535_665405/t1686548.shtml|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Remarks on the Current Situation in Jammu Kashmir|website=www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/|date=6 Aug 2019}}</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|Turkey}} – [[President of Turkey|President]] [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] said that the abolition of Kashmir's [[Autonomy]] has worsened the everyday situation for [[Kashmiris]]. He also stated that the issue of Kashmir is as important to Turkey as it is to Pakistan, openly supporting the latter's position on the dispute with India over Kashmir.<ref>{{cite news |title=India's 'unilateral steps' add to Kashmir's troubles – Erdogan |url=https://www.trtworld.com/asia/india-s-unilateral-steps-add-to-kashmir-s-troubles-erdogan-33789 |work= TRT World |date=14 Feb 2020}}</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>
*{{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 |title=UAE Ambassador to India reacts to Kashmir decision |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/uae-ambassador-to-india-reacts-to-kashmir-decision-1.1565038437014 |work= Khaleej Times |date=6 Aug 2019}}</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>
*{{flag|Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}} – OIC Secretary-General [[Yousef Al-Othaimeen|Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen]] reaffirmed the OIC's pledge to peacefully settling the Kashmir issue. At the same time, he asked the international community to increase its efforts to aid the Kashmiri people in their struggle for [[human rights]] and peace. The organization called on the [[United Nations]] to pressure India to abide by all relevant [[UN mediation of the Kashmir dispute|UN resolutions]] and encouraged India to employ dialogue with Pakistan to calm the tensions. Lastly, the organization requested India to rollback on security raids, honour human rights, abstain from altering the [[Muslims|Muslim]]-majority demographics of Kashmir and settle the conflict with the help of the United Nations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oic-oci.org/topic/?t_id=23539&t_ref=14053&lan=en|title=OIC Contact Group Renews Commitment for a Peaceful Settlement of Jammu and Kashmir Issue|website=www.oic-oci.org/home/?lan=en|date=22 June 2020}}</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>
*{{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>
*{{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>
*{{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 2019}}</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 |title=UN concern over Kashmir lockdown as hundreds reported arrested |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/concern-kashmir-lockdown-hundreds-reported-arrested-190808200958052.html |work= Al Jazeera |date=8 Aug 2019}}</ref>
*{{flag|Iran}} – The [[Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran|Iranian government]] expressed concern over the situation in Kashmir following the lockdown, urging both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue as regional partners and resolve the situation peacefully rather than through military force.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/08/07/602891/Iran-India-Pakistan|title=Iran urges India, Pakistan to resort to 'dialog, peaceful methods' amid Kashmir tensions|publisher=Press TV}}</ref> On 21 August 2019, [[Ayatollah]] [[Ali Khamenei]] [[Twitter|tweeted]]: “We have good relations with India, but we expect the Indian government to adopt a just policy towards the noble people of Kashmir and prevent the oppression & bullying of Muslims in this region.”<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran issues rare criticism of India over Kashmir |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/iran-issues-rare-criticism-of-india-over-kashmir/ |work= Atlantic Council |date=30 Aug 2019}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 93: Line 128:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Jammu and Kashmir lockdown, 2019-2020}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jammu and Kashmir lockdown, 2019-2022}}
[[Category:2019 in India]]
[[Category:2019 in India]]
[[Category:2020 in India]]
[[Category:2020 in India]]

Revision as of 03:07, 24 December 2022


Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 978: Tried to read nil global data.

Map of India with Jammu and Kashmir, administered as a union territory, highlighted in red
Date
  • 5 August 2019 – 5 February 2021 (1 year, 6 months and 1 day)[1][2][3]
  • 2 September 2021 - 4 September 2021 (2 days) (Preventative security lockdown due to the death of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani)[4][5][6]
Location34°02′00″N 74°40′00″E / 34.0333°N 74.6667°E / 34.0333; 74.6667
Caused byInsurgency in Kashmir, Revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status[7]
MethodsCurfew, communications and media blackout, increased military presence, Barring court cases against the autonomy revocation
Status
  • Initial lockdown ended on 5 February 2021, Syed Geelani lockdown ended on 4 September 2021[8] (7 September 2021 for Srinagar and Budgam)[9][10]
  • All communications services restored (On an average Internet services are suspended in South Kashmir districts once a week for militancy related precautionary measures)[11][12]
  • Extra security forces withdrawn[13]
  • Resumption of tourist and economic activity[14][15][16]
Casualties and losses
Deaths~69 (including security forces, civilian, militants)[17]
Arrested~3,800–4,000 (including 200 politicians, 100 separatist leaders)[18]
Charged3,000 civilian were listed as stone pelters, 150 people were accused of alleged association with militant groups involving Kashmir conflict[18]

The 2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown was a preventive security lockdown and communications blackout that had been imposed throughout the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir following the 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.[20][21][22] The Indian government had stated that the tough lockdown measures and substantially increased deployment of security forces had been aimed at curbing terrorism.[23][24] The government did not want a repeat of the death and injuries seen during the 2016–2017 Kashmir unrest.[25]

The revocation and subsequent lockdown drew condemnation from several countries, especially Pakistan, which had lodged protests with India on multiple occasions.[26][27]

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.[28] Subsequently, the ban of 4G and 3G services ended.[1][2][3]

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 and Article 35A of the Indian constitution and subsequent introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.[29][30] Since the lockdown was brought into effect, no foreign journalist has been allowed by the Indian government to report from the new union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.[31]

According to a 6 September 2019 report by the Indian government, nearly 4,000 people have been arrested in the disputed region. Among those arrested were more than 200 local Kashmiri politicians, including two former chief ministers of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, along with more than 100 leaders and activists from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.[18]

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.[32]

On 3 October 2019, journalists in Kashmir staged a sit-in protest against the enforced communications blackout, describing the total blockade of internet services and mobile phones as a "gag".[33]

On 4 October 2019, the Indian government denied United States Senator Chris Van Hollen's request to travel to Jammu and Kashmir.[31] Meanwhile, Sandeep Pandey, an education reformer, and other activists who were on an informal fact-finding mission were also barred from leaving the airport in Srinagar.[31] On the same day, protests were held by the local Kashmiri people, where they chanted pro-Pakistan slogans and demanded an end to what they described as the "Indian occupation of their territory".[34]

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".[35]

Mobile phone services were barred for the 85th consecutive day on 28 October, for at least 2.5 million prepaid cell phone users in Jammu and Kashmir.[36] In January 2020, a 2G internet connection was established in Jammu & Kashmir, albeit only for limited whitelisted sites approved by the Indian government.[37] 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 Muslim-majority region, where locals have called for the anniversary to be marked as a "black day".[38]

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.[39]

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.[40]

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.[28] This was applauded by the union territory former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah.[28] The move was lauded by Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari and Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu.[3]

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.[41] 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.[42] Razor wire, steel barricades, and armored vehicles blocked some streets.[42] The situation in Srinagar and Budgam returned to normal by 7 September.[9][10]

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.[43][44][1][2][3] 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.[45][9][10]

Figures show 19,000 tourists visited the Union Territory in January 2021, compared to only 3,750 tourists that visited Srinagar in January 2020.[46] 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."[47][14]

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.[15]

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.[48][16]

International reactions

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "4G internet services restored in Jammu and Kashmir". Business Today (in हिन्दी). 5 February 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "18 months after split, downgrade, 4G mobile Internet back in J&K". The Indian Express. 6 February 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "17 months on, 4G internet services restored in Jammu and Kashmir". Hindustan Times. 6 February 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  4. ↑ "Restrictions eased, situation fully normal in Kashmir: DGP". Rising Kashmir. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  5. ↑ "Mobile internet services restored in Srinagar, Budgam". Deccan Herald. 7 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  6. ↑ Masoodi, Nazir (7 September 2021). Srinivasan, Chandrashekar (ed.). "Internet Curb Eased, Situation Normal: J&K Cops After Separatist's Burial". NDTV. PTI. Archived from the original on 7 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  7. ↑ Bajekal, Naina (23 October 2019). "As India Starts to Lift Kashmir Restrictions, Life Isn't Returning to Normal". Time. Archived from the original on 17 July 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  8. ↑ "India locks down restive Kashmir after burial of separatist leader". Reuters. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Yusuf, Shabir Ibn (8 September 2021). "Mobile internet restored in Srinagar, Budgam". Greater Kashmir. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Nabi, Danish Bin (8 September 2021). "Mobile internet restored in Srinagar, Budgam". Brighter Kashmir. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  11. ↑ "3 cops martyred, 3 Al-Badr militants killed in 3 shootouts in Kashmir". www.dailyexcelsior.com. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  12. ↑ "India restores 4G internet services in two districts of Kashmir". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  13. ↑ "Centre orders immediate withdrawal of 10,000 troops from Jammu and Kashmir". The Economic Times. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Yattoo, Irfan (28 August 2021). "Srinagar airport becomes first in India to cross pre-Covid passenger arrival". Rising Kashmir.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "LG launches Mission Youth's J&K Tourist Village Network". Greater Kashmir. 4 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "With Rs 4,000 crore power losses, LG directs PDD to reduce deficit by 10% within next 3 months". Free Press Kashmir. 7 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ↑ Sidiq, Nusrat (31 December 2019). "69 deaths in Kashmir since Aug. 5, rights group says". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 3 May 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Ghoshal, Devjyot; Pal, Alasdair (12 September 2019). "Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals". Reuters. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  19. ↑ "India Says It Will Ease Restrictions in Kashmir". The New York Times. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  20. ↑ Hussain, Aijaz (21 August 2019). "At Least 2,300 People Have Been Detained During the Lockdown in Kashmir". Time. Archived from the original on 21 August 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2021. {{cite magazine}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 21 August 2019 suggested (help)
  21. ↑ "Inside Kashmir's lockdown: 'Even I will pick up a gun'". BBC News. 9 August 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  22. ↑ Farooq, Azhar; Ratcliffe, Rebecca (23 August 2019). "Kashmir city on lockdown after calls for protest march". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 August 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  23. ↑ "India PM defends Kashmir decision". 9 August 2022.
  24. ↑ "India PM defends Kashmir decision". The Daily Star. 9 August 2019. Archived from the original on 5 December 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  25. ↑ Abhinav Pandya (October 2019). J&K: Review of Developments Post the Abrogation of Article 370. Vivekananda International Foundation. Retrieved on 20 October 2021.
  26. ↑ Ali, Syed Mohammad (9 July 2020). "Unanticipated challenge to Article 370". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 10 July 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  27. ↑ Goel, Vindu (27 February 2019). "What Is Article 370, and Why Does It Matter in Kashmir?". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 "4G internet services to be restored in Jammu and Kashmir after 18 months". The New Indian Express. 5 February 2021. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  29. ↑ "Restrictions eased as Kashmir enters Day 22 of lockdown". Outlook India. 26 August 2019. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  30. ↑ "No respite in sight as J&K lockdown enters 25th day". The Asian Age. 30 August 2022.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 "US Senator Barred From Kashmir as Lockdown Enters 3rd Month". Voice of America. Associated Press. 5 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  32. ↑ Rajagopal, Krishnadas (30 September 2019). "J&K shutdown: 3-judge SC Bench to hear 7 pleas". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  33. ↑ "60 days of lockdown: Kashmir journalists protest against clampdown, demand restoration of internet". India Today. 3 October 2022.
  34. ↑ Vall, Mohammed (5 October 2019). "Kashmir under lockdown: Anger over 'unacceptable burdens'". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  35. ↑ Hussain, Aijaz (24 October 2019). "India holds Kashmir elections despite lockdown, boycott". Washington Post. AP. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2021. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 25 October 2019 suggested (help)
  36. ↑ "Kashmir lockdown: Prepaid mobile services remain barred for 85th day". Hindustan Times. 28 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  37. ↑ "2G mobile Internet services restored in J&K". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 25 January 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 October 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  38. ↑ "Curfew in Kashmir ahead of autonomy revocation anniversary". Al Jazeera. 4 August 2020. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  39. ↑ Bukhari, Fayaz (16 August 2020). Alison Williams (ed.). "India restores 4G internet services in parts of Kashmir". Reuters. Archived from the original on 16 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  40. ↑ "India arrests 75 in Kashmir after local elections". Al Jazeera. 26 December 2020. Archived from the original on 26 December 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  41. ↑ Bukhari, Fayaz (2 September 2021). "India locks down restive Kashmir after burial of separatist leader". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "India extends Kashmir lockdown after separatist icon's death". Al Jazeera. 3 September 2021. Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  43. ↑ Hussain, Aijaz (8 October 2019). "India to allow tourists in Kashmir, but they likely won't have access to internet or phones". Associated Press. Global News. Archived from the original on 8 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  44. ↑ "After 18 Months, 4G Mobile Internet Services Being Restored in Entire Jammu and Kashmir". News18. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  45. ↑ "India extends Kashmir lockdown after separatist icon's death". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  46. ↑ "Tourism is reviving in Jammu and Kashmir, proves the rise in number of tourists". Hindustan Times. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  47. ↑ Lone, Idrees (27 August 2021). "Tourism industry in Kashmir booms again: 8,000 travellers fly in and out in a day". WION.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  48. ↑ Pargal, Sanjeev (22 August 2021). "Jammu gets industrial investment worth Rs 12,000 cr, Kashmir 11,000 cr". Daily Excelsior. Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  49. ↑ "US President Trump reiterates offer to mediate Kashmir crisis". Al Jazeera. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  50. ↑ "US wants Kashmir restrictions lifted". Al Jazeera. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  51. ↑ PTI (6 October 2019). "Imran Khan issues warning as JKLF starts Article 370 protest march from PoK to Kashmir". ThePrint. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  52. ↑ "Article 370: What happened with Kashmir and why it matters". BBC News. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  53. ↑ "Human Rights Crisis in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir". Embassy of Pakistan USA. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  54. ↑ "Pakistan to downgrade ties with India over Kashmir move". Al Jazeera. 7 August 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  55. ↑ "Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir: India learned how to change regional demography from Israel, says President Alvi". DAWN. 5 August 2020. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  56. ↑ "Pakistan to observe 'Youm-e-Istehsal' on Aug 5 in solidarity with Kashmiris". Pakistan Today. 31 July 2020. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  57. ↑ "Pakistan to mark Aug 5 as Day of Exploitation to protest abrogation of Article 370". South Asia Monitor. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  58. ↑ "UAE Ambassador to India reacts to Kashmir decision". Khaleej Times. 6 August 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  59. ↑ "India, Pakistan trade barbs over 'OIC resolution' on Kashmir". Al Jazeera. 1 December 2022.
  60. ↑ "Let Kashmir Speak". Amnesty International.
  61. ↑ "Amnesty International calls for removal of communications blackout in occupied Kashmir". Dawn. 15 September 2022.
  62. ↑ "Amnesty International seeks end to curbs on J&K politicians, journalists". Deccan Chronicle. 6 August 2022.
  63. ↑ "Restrictions, Detentions Persist in Kashmir". Human Rights Watch.
  64. ↑ "Kashmir curfew brought in as region marks one year since special status revoked". The Guardian. 4 August 2022.
  65. ↑ "Kashmir: India's 'draconian' blackout sets worrying precedent, warns UN". The Guardian. 8 August 2022.
  66. ↑ "UN concern over Kashmir lockdown as hundreds reported arrested". Al Jazeera. 8 August 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  67. ↑ Bhatacherjee, Kallol (9 September 2019). "UNHRC asks India to end lockdown in J&K". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=2019–2021_Jammu_and_Kashmir_lockdown&oldid=370453"
Discover more