This move was accompanied by a harsh crackdown, with New Delhi sending tens of thousands of additional troops to the already heavily militarised region, imposing a sweeping curfew, arresting thousands and cutting virtually all communications.



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Authorities have since eased several restrictions, lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and cellphone services. The internet service is yet to be restored in the Kashmir valley. They have encouraged students to return to school and businesses to reopen, but top political leaders from the region continue to be under arrest or detention.

India and Pakistan, who Kashmir was split between at the end of British colonial rule in 1947, have fought two of their three wars over the territory.