Indian PM visits Kashmir amid tough security measures, protests

The Indian-controlled Kashmir has turned into a military barracks during a visit by the Indian prime minister with thousands of troops patrolling the disputed territory’s capital city Srinagar, Press TV reports.

The curfew-like restrictions were imposed on Sunday ahead of Narendra Modi’s first visit to Kashmir since his coalition came to power in the region back in March. Almost all the key pro-independence leaders and activists were taken into custody in a bid to prevent any anti-government rallies.

Thousand of Indian police and military forces were deployed to the streets to avert a planned million-man march against New Delhi.

Meanwhile, top pro-independence leaders were put under house arrest and thousands of their supporters were rounded up prior to Modi’s visit. Mobile phone and internet services were also suspended across the disputed region.

“India is holding Kashmiris against their will and that is why usual democratic rights and freedoms are not given to them; no civil liberties are given to them,” said local political commentator Hameeda Nayeem.

Despite the tough restrictions and security measures imposed in the area, one pro-independence activist was killed during clashes between protesters and the police. Many more were also arrested.

During his visit, the Indian prime minister addressed a public rally attended by local government employees, and announced a $12-billion aid package for Kashmir. However, he failed to discuss any political efforts aimed at resolving the long-standing dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, much to the disappointment of the local population and leaders.

“I think the biggest disappointment is that we were led to believe that much more is coming out of this. I am sorry but Rs 80,000 crore is not a historic speech. Historic means you move away from the beaten track. That didn’t happen today,” said Omar Abdullah of The Jammu Kashmir National Conference.

During his public address, Modi said, “Kashmir has suffered a lot over the years. Generations have seen their dreams being crushed. Solution to all of our problems lies in the employment of the youth.”

“Announcing an economic package and shying away from addressing the core issues is like adding salt to our injuries,” said the leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, with both claiming sovereignty over the entire region. The two nations have fought two wars over the territory since they were partitioned in 1947.

Resistance groups in Jammu Kashmir have been battling for independence from India and unification with neighboring Pakistan since 1989. More than 70,000 Kashmiris have been killed in the violence, most of them by Indian forces.

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