50 days on, Kashmir still a prison

Srinagar: It has been exactly 50 days since the Centre locked down Kashmir, blockading communication. Kashmiris are in pain as they are unable to regain what little joys they had.

Isolated from the rest of the nation, they live in virtual open prison, if reports from the Valley are any indication.   

Since Amit Shah announced abrogation of article 370, life in the valley has taken to a route bumpy with angst and fear.

Everything from schools to shops to restaurants there remain shuttered; all travel destinations are deserted. 

All communications including internet are stalled, much as the government claims that land phones have been established.

Unable to know about the whereabouts relatives, a lot of people living in mental agony. Parents and children worry about losing school days.

Apple farmers worry as they are unable to ferry apple to market. The situation would cripple the valley’s economy, as Kashmir offers 70 percent of nation’s apple produce.

Reports say that as many as 4000 have been arrested after participating in protests.