India To Ease Restrictions In Kashmir After Protests, And Economy, Slow

India’s government said it would begin to relax communications and other restrictions in the disputed northern state of Jammu and Kashmir after initiating the curbs last week in a bid to prevent unrest.

New Delhi on Aug. 5 triggered a political uproar when it unveiled a presidential order to revoke the Muslim-majority state’s autonomy under the constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which has roots in Hindu nationalism, pushed through the order with allied and other parties.

Nearly all communications links to the area have been blocked, including the internet and mobile and land-based telephone lines, while curfew-like conditions and numerous checkpoints have hampered citizens’ movements.

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