People make their way along a street in Jammu on August 5, 2019. - Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir placed large parts of the disputed region under lockdown early August 5, while India sent in tens of thousands of additional troops and traded accusations of clashes with Pakistan at their de facto border. (Photo by Rakesh BAKSHI / AFP) — AFP or licensors

In pictures: Situation in occupied Kashmir uncertain as India scraps special status

An indefinite security lockdown is in place in the Indian-occupied portion of divided Kashmir.
Published August 5, 2019

With an indefinite security lockdown in place in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) and elected representatives under house arrest, India's ruling party on Monday revoked the special constitutional status of occupied Kashmir through a rushed presidential order.

With the special status repealed, people from the rest of India will now have the right to acquire property in occupied Kashmir and settle there permanently. Kashmiris fear this will lead to a demographic transformation of region from majority Muslim to majority Hindu.

An Indian soldier stops a commuter during curfew like restrictions in IoK on Aug 5. — AP
An Indian soldier stops a commuter during curfew like restrictions in IoK on Aug 5. — AP

Stranded Indian tourists walk to a railway station during restrictions in IoK on Aug 5. — AP
Stranded Indian tourists walk to a railway station during restrictions in IoK on Aug 5. — AP

A woman carries her child as she walks past Indian security personnel as it rains during curfew like restrictions in IoK on Aug 5. — AP
A woman carries her child as she walks past Indian security personnel as it rains during curfew like restrictions in IoK on Aug 5. — AP

People make their way along a street in IoK on Aug 5. — AFP
People make their way along a street in IoK on Aug 5. — AFP

Security personnel question motorists on a street in IoK on Aug 5. — AFP
Security personnel question motorists on a street in IoK on Aug 5. — AFP

Indian police erect barbed wire to stop vehicle movement during a lockdown in IoK on Aug 5. — AP
Indian police erect barbed wire to stop vehicle movement during a lockdown in IoK on Aug 5. — AP

Meanwhile, rallies were held in Pakistani cities in solidarity with the people of IoK.

Protesters in Islamabad participate in a demonstration to condemn recent killings by Indian forces in IoK. — AP
Protesters in Islamabad participate in a demonstration to condemn recent killings by Indian forces in IoK. — AP

Protesters gather in Lahore to express solidarity for the people of IoK on Aug 5. — AP
Protesters gather in Lahore to express solidarity for the people of IoK on Aug 5. — AP

Demonstrators hold signs and chant slogans as they march in solidarity with the people of IoK, during a rally in Karachi on Aug 5. — Reuters
Demonstrators hold signs and chant slogans as they march in solidarity with the people of IoK, during a rally in Karachi on Aug 5. — Reuters