Fear of rising resistance: Indian Military imposes tough new restrictions in Occupied Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India: Security forces imposed tough new restrictions in IndianKashmir on Friday (Sep 27), fearing protests ahead of UN speeches by rivalIndian and Pakistani leaders at the United Nations.

Concrete and razor wire barricades went up across Srinagar and other townsin the disputed Muslim-majority territory, which has been under lockdownsince New Delhi scrapped Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status in early August.

“There were worries about big protests after Friday prayers. Similarrestrictions are in place in other towns and areas,” a police officer toldAFP on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak to media.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister ImranKhan will speak on Kashmir’s plight at the UN General Assembly in New Yorklater Friday.

The two countries divided Kashmir in 1947 and have since fought two warsover the territory. New Delhi’s move has sparked new tensions between thenuclear-armed neighbours.

Barricades went up across roads and bridges in Srinagar as security forcesin bulletproof gear guarded deserted streets following orders to stop anypublic rallies.