New Delhi: India's government used a presidential order on Monday to revoke disputed Kashmir's special status as thousands of newly deployed troops descended and some internet and phone services were suspended in the restive Himalayan region where most people oppose Indian rule.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced the revocation amid an uproar in India's two houses of parliament.

Indian soldiers patrol in Srinagar, India, on Sunday amid rising tensions. Credit:AP

Shah's statement came while Kashmir was under a security lockdown, keeping thousands of people inside their homes and unable to communicate with the outside world.

The move is expected to spark unrest in the world's most heavily militarised area, and between two nuclear armed states, India and Pakistan.