IoK under lockdown order amid troop build-up

OCCUPIED SRINAGAR: Authorities in Indian Held Kashmir placed large parts of the disputed region under lockdown early Monday amid a massive troop buildup by India.

The recent tensions started in the last 10 days after New Delhi deployed at least 10,000 troops, but a security source told AFP a further 70,000 had been dispatched in what is believed to be an unprecedented level.

"As per the order there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed," the state government ordered for occupied Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, and surrounding areas, in a statement obtained by AFP.

"There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order."

Universities, schools and colleges in Jammu & Kashmir were ordered to be shut, and one district in that region was placed under lockdown.

Several other major districts of the Muslim-majority state were also placed under restrictions, local media reported.

Private mobile networks, internet services and telephone landlines were cut, with only the one government-owned mobile network remained operational, an AFP reporter said.

A senior official told AFP nearly 300 administrative officials and top security officials had been issued with satellite phones.