India releases 3 low-ranking politicians in occupied Kashmir – World

Indian authorities released three low-level politicians in occupied Kashmir on Thursday amid international pressure to ease a repression imposed more than two months ago when New Delhi degraded the region's autonomy and imposed stricter controls.

The decision of the Indian government came days after announcing that it would allow tourists to return to the region after ordering them to leave in August for security reasons. However, the mobile Internet and cell phones continued to not work, with telecommunications restricted to landlines.

the Press Trust of India The news agency said authorities released Yawar Mir, Noor Mohammed and Shoaib Lone, all low-level activists.

Leading Kashmir politicians, including some who have historically accepted India's control over the disputed region of Muslim majority, remain detained in their own homes or in prisons.

The pristine mountainous landscape of Kashmir, ski resorts, houseboats on lakes and apple orchards have made it a tourist attraction. But the harsh repression of India and the measures to reduce the semi-autonomy of the territory have caused widespread anger, and the cashmere have launched a rejection campaign to resume their normal lives.

While some Indian tourists were returning on Thursday, Wali Mohammad, leader of a houseboat owners association, complained that the government first forced tourists to leave the region and now allows them to return without any installation.

“There is no internet, the phones do not work and there is no transport available. What will tourists do when they come here? ”Mohammad asked.

Anita Rai, a tourist from Bihar state in eastern India, said she was not scared, but she was worried about the lack of internet connection and mobile telephony.

“My parents should be a little worried since I can't contact them. There is no way we can tell you that we are safe here and that we are having a great time. There are security forces everywhere and, therefore, we are not afraid at all, ”he said.

Atul Kumar, another tourist, complained that most stores were closed.

“It would have been better if the stores were open. We are experiencing a little loneliness, ”he said.

An armed rebellion has been unleashed in Kashmir occupied by India since 1989 in search of a united Kashmir, either under the Pakistani government or independent of both countries.