Thread by @yogital

7 weeks today since #Kashmir special status revoked by Indian govt. Landlines returning to life, but mobile phone and internet services still blocked. Fearing violence, parents aren’t sending children to schools. @soutikbbc
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Except for pharmacies, most shops closed. Some open, only in the evening. Police say militant outfits have been distributing pamphlets warning people against opening shops, banks, fuel stations.
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Locals allege security forces are spreading fear by illegally detaining men and boys. The BBC spoke to 17 families that alleged a child from their home was locked up for several days. Some said they were beaten. @shaluyadavbbc
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‘I wished for death, so I don’t have to watch the kids being tortured. What could I do? I was powerless.’ a father told us. He said he and his 16-year-old were beaten in front of each other by the army, and then kept locked up for 6 days by police.
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Jammu Kashmir police did not reply to the BBC’s questions. Indian Army said ‘During operations to assist police, offenders are taken into custody as per established provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act… they are handed over to the police for lawful disposal.’

Anti-govt protests often turn into clashes. Conflicting accounts of the events surrounding those who’ve died or been injured in such incidents are slowly becoming the norm.Indian govt says not a single person has been killed in action by security forces.
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At least 3 families say their loved ones died as a result of pellets and/or tear gas canisters fired by troops. The family of Asrar Ahmad Khan is among them. ‘Does Modi feel my pain’ his father asked. Asrar died ten days before his 18th birthday.
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The Indian government says there have only been 5 civilian deaths since 5 August – 2 killed after being hit by stones thrown by anti-govt protesters, 3 allegedly killed by militants.
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There is anger against the govt even in areas like Uri, where people participate in elections, and which didn’t have a strong anti-India sentiment as has long been seen in many parts of southern Kashmir. ‘We feel betrayed’ an Uri resident said.

There is strong support for the government’s move, in some parts of the region, and overwhelmingly, among people outside it. Even among Indian diaspora, as was visible at the #HowdyModi event in the US where a loud cheer erupted when Prime Minister #Modi spoke about it on Sunday.

Prime Minister #Modi at #HowdyModi said his government’s move will give equal rights to people from #Kashmir. He’s previously said it will bring investment, development and prosperity to the region.

Many believe Kashmiris are tired of violence and will eventually embrace Modi's promise of development. But few in #Kashmir agree. ‘A tsunami of protest is coming.There is anger in our minds and burning lava in our hearts,’ a trader told @soutikBBC bbc.com/news/world-asi…