It’s been 5 days since Article 370 was scrapped but Kashmiris continue to live in the dark

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation late last evening on the Kashmir issue, but didn’t mention when the curfew would be uplifted.
• Kashmiris continue to live in curfew, with no internet, no calls.
• The UN Secretary General too has expressed his concern about the worsening of human rights in Jammu & Kashmir.

For the last five days, Indians have been arguing, joking and debating the abrogation of Article 370, resulting in endless calls, and social media messages. But those who should have had a say in the matter, Kashmiris, are silent. Because, they have been silenced.

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Rajya Sabha that Article 370 is scrapped. And Kashmir has been on lockdown a day before the announcement, which is August 4.

Since Sunday night, internet services have been suspended in Jammu & Kashmir, with a curfew in place since Monday morning (August 5). And, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no announcement on lifting it in an address to the nation yesterday, even as he doled out infrastructure and industry benefits.

Modi however did promise that he would facilitate Eid celebration. But he did not say how, as the status quo remains in the valley. He did not speak about the communications blackout and transportation issues in the newly formed union territories.

This is the case even as Muslims across the country are gearing up to celebrate Eid on August 12. Kashmiris are still not sure about their fate.

Social media is filled with messages and pleas from Kashmiris living outside of Jammu & Kashmir hoping for the safety of their family back home. Screenshots of messages are doing the rounds of students and professionals trying to reach out to their parents, but have no response.

But the new found constitutional status is not on top of the minds of Kashmiris. A shortage of food and other necessities is beginning to worry them as the curfew prevails. Reports say that people are unable to communicate with their neighbours as well.

Over a 100 people have been arrested so far. That includes former chief ministers like Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah as well as Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference leaders Sajjad Lone and Imran Ansari. There is no word from the government on when they would be released, either.

António Guterres, the UN Secretary General expressed his concerns over the plight of Kashmiris. A statement released on Thursday by the UN said, “The Secretary-General is also concerned overreports of restrictions on the Indian-side of Kashmir, which could exacerbate the human rights situation in the region.”