Internet blocked in Kashmir ahead of iconic rebel's death anniversary

Authorities in India-administered Kashmir have ordered service providers to indefinitely block the internet ahead of a planned rally to observe the first anniversary of popular rebel commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani – whose killing in 2016 sparked months-long anti-India demonstrations in the disputed region.

A popular commander, Wani was shot dead by Indian soldiers on July 8 and since then civilians have played an increasingly active role in the rebellion against Indian rule.

"In view of the apprehension of misuse of Internet services by anti-national elements, which is likely to cause deterioration in law and order situation, you are directed to block all social media sites on lease line in Kashmir Valley from July 6 at 2200 hours till further order," read a police order to Internet service providers in the region.

Kashmir's pro-independence leaders – most of whom have been either confined to their homes or jailed ahead of the anniversary – have called for a week of protests and a rally at Wani's village in the southern Tral area from July 8.

On Thursday, pro-independence leader Shabir Shah announced the posthumous award Tamgha-e-Jurrat or Star of Courage to Wani "for his courage, steadfastness, and immense contribution to the freedom movement," the English-language newspaper Rising Kashmir reported.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani – another popular leader who remains under house arrest for over eight years – called Wani a "role model for our youth," saying in a statement that the sacrifices rendered by Wani are "praiseworthy and exemplary."

Measures to stop activists from moving

Authorities have begun controlling people's movements and suspended mobile internet services in some areas.

One senior officer said that police stations across south Kashmir were full of motorbikes seized to stop activists moving between villages.

But some officials said the challenge now is to deal with public anger rather than the threat posed by rebels.

"The armed militants are not much of a challenge," one senior security said on condition of anonymity.

"Counter-insurgency operations have been intensified and we are eliminating them. But in absence of any political forces engaging the people, they (rebels) have galvanised the public sentiment against India."

"We are well prepared to handle any situation in Kashmir," a senior Indian interior ministry official Rajiv Mehrishi said.

"We have sent 214 companies (or 21000 troops) of central forces to control any situation which may arise on July 8…"

Meanwhile, a Birmingham rally to commemorate the death of Wani was banned after the Indian government made an official objection to the UK. The UK remains the hub of Kashmir's diaspora where the rally was planned.

Bitter history

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.

The two countries have fought three wars – in 1948, 1965 and 1971 – since they were partitioned in 1947, two of which were fought over Kashmir.

Kashmiri resistance groups in India-administered Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence or for unification with neighbouring Pakistan.

India-administered Kashmir has since 2014 been governed by the pro-India People's Democratic Party in an unpopular coalition with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP has ruled out talks with Pakistan and resistance groups over the final settlement of the dispute.

Analysts say this has intensified public opposition to Indian rule in Kashmir, where nearly 100 youths joined the rebel ranks since Wani´s death.

Many have taken weapons from police and paramilitary forces during patrols.

Pakistan backing continues

The death of the 23-year-old Wani, who had built up a big following on social media as he posed with an AK-47, sparked a huge outpouring of grief in Kashmir.

Nearly 100 civilians were killed in mass protests in the months that followed, most shot dead by Indian soldiers and paramilitary police.

Many others were blinded partially or completely in the pellet firing by Indian troops and police.

Wani led Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM) – the biggest rebel group fighting over half a million Indian troops in Kashmir.

Last week the US State Department designated Syed Salahuddin, the head of HuM rebel group based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as "Specially Designated Global Terrorist."

Pakistan said the designation was unwarranted saying "the designation of individuals supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists is completely unjustified."