Anger builds in Kashmir as Friday prayers held amid security

Anger continues to mount in India-administered Kashmir against New Delhi’s decision to revoke the special status of the Muslim-majority region.

The main mosque in Srinagar is closed and tight restrictions continue for Friday Prayer. Thousands of troops are still patrolling the streets fifth days after the Indian government revoked the Muslim-majority state’s autonomy.

The area has been under a virtual communications blackout since Sunday.

The curfew imposed on Monday remains in place. PM Narendra Modi has promised Kashmiris that they will be able to celebrate the religious holiday of Eid al-Adha on Sunday.

Seeking to tighten its grip on the region also claimed by neighbouring Pakistan, India this week scrapped the state’s right to frame its own laws and allowed non-residents to buy property there.

Leaders in Kashmir had warned that scrapping the special status would be seen as an act of aggression against the people of the Himalayan state, where more than 50,000 people have died in a 30-year revolt against Indian rule.