Paramilitary troops being briefed at Srinagar's Lal Chowk area on the morning of August 5, the day the Parliament of India abrogated Article 370. Thousands of troops were sent in anticipation of protests from the Kashmiris against the decision. The disputed region was turned into a fortress with armed troops manning every nook and corner. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Paramilitary troops being briefed at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area on the morning of August 5, the day the Parliament of India abrogated Article 370. Thousands of troops were sent in anticipation of protests from the Kashmiris against the decision. The disputed region was turned into a fortress with armed troops manning every nook and corner. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Two days before India scrapped Article 370, panic gripped workers belonging to other Indian states after the federal government issued an advisory asking them as well as the tourists, Hindu pilgrims and students to vacate the region immediately. Amid confusion and chaos, thousands of non-locals thronged to a tourist reception centre in Srinagar in order to leave the valley. 'I am seriously not willing to leave this paradise on earth. I felt in love with Kashmir and its people the day I came here to earn livelihood,' carpenter Shubham Sarkar had said in August. 'Due to the situation, I have no other option but to return to my hometown.' [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Two days before India scrapped Article 370, panic gripped workers belonging to other Indian states after the federal government issued an advisory asking them as well as the tourists, Hindu pilgrims and students to vacate the region immediately. Amid confusion and chaos, thousands of non-locals thronged to a tourist reception centre in Srinagar in order to leave the valley. ‘I am seriously not willing to leave this paradise on earth. I felt in love with Kashmir and its people the day I came here to earn livelihood,’ carpenter Shubham Sarkar had said in August. ‘Due to the situation, I have no other option but to return to my hometown.’ MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Fearing mass protests, the curfew in Kashmir was tightened ahead of Eid al-Adha which was observed on August 11. 'In my lifetime, it was for the second instance when we Kashmiris have not been allowed to offer Eid prayers in a large gathering. Police had told area heads not to offer Eid prayers openly but in small groups in mosques,' resident Mohammad Ramzan said. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Fearing mass protests, the curfew in Kashmir was tightened ahead of Eid al-Adha which was observed on August 11. ‘In my lifetime, it was for the second instance when we Kashmiris have not been allowed to offer Eid prayers in a large gathering. Police had told area heads not to offer Eid prayers openly but in small groups in mosques,’ resident Mohammad Ramzan said. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Kashmiri women chanting pro-freedom slogans after Eid al-Adha prayers in Srinagar's Anchar. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Kashmiri women chanting pro-freedom slogans after Eid al-Adha prayers in Srinagar’s Anchar. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Bunkers and barricades were erected overnight in schools and colleges as troops occupied educational institutions across the valley. While the government announced their opening, parents said they were apprehensive about sending their children to schools amid the clampdown. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Bunkers and barricades were erected overnight in schools and colleges as troops occupied educational institutions across the valley. While the government announced their opening, parents said they were apprehensive about sending their children to schools amid the clampdown. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

There has been an unprecedented use of pellet guns by the Indian forces to curb protests in the Kashmir valley. Pellets fired upon unarmed protesters cause severe injuries and even blindness. Scores of people, including young boys and children, have been injured since August 5. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

There has been an unprecedented use of pellet guns by the Indian forces to curb protests in the Kashmir valley. Pellets fired upon unarmed protesters cause severe injuries and even blindness. Scores of people, including young boys and children, have been injured since August 5. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Pelting of stones at downtown Srinagar's Habba Kadal area, which witnessed clashes between young boys and Indian security forces. Stone-pelting is the most common form of resistance in the region as young Kashmiris throw rocks at the forces and shout pro-freedom slogans. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Pelting of stones at downtown Srinagar’s Habba Kadal area, which witnessed clashes between young boys and Indian security forces. Stone-pelting is the most common form of resistance in the region as young Kashmiris throw rocks at the forces and shout pro-freedom slogans. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Parveena, mother of Aqib Rafiq Wani, a detained management student from Shopian, said: 'I get flashbacks of the night when my son was taken away by the Indian forces. I am waiting for the moment when he will be returned to me.' Wani was arrested on August 8 in a midnight raid at his house. He has been lodged in a jail outside Kashmir under the stringent Public Safety Act. Indian authorities arrested an estimated 13,000 boys in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, according to a fact-finding report by a team of five women activists who visited the region recently. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Parveena, mother of Aqib Rafiq Wani, a detained management student from Shopian, said: ‘I get flashbacks of the night when my son was taken away by the Indian forces. I am waiting for the moment when he will be returned to me.’ Wani was arrested on August 8 in a midnight raid at his house. He has been lodged in a jail outside Kashmir under the stringent Public Safety Act. Indian authorities arrested an estimated 13,000 boys in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, according to a fact-finding report by a team of five women activists who visited the region recently. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, an apple orchard owner and resident of Kremshore village in Budgam district, claims he used to sell a box of apples for 1,000 rupees ($14) to an Indian trader. But after the abrogation of Article 370, he says that the cost halved. 'Our business is running in a huge loss since India abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir,' he said. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, an apple orchard owner and resident of Kremshore village in Budgam district, claims he used to sell a box of apples for 1,000 rupees ($14) to an Indian trader. But after the abrogation of Article 370, he says that the cost halved. ‘Our business is running in a huge loss since India abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir,’ he said. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Unidentified people destroyed apple boxes that were supposed to be sent outside the Kashmir valley. Such incidents were reported from several districts of Jammu and Kashmir state after a call to boycott trade with Indian businessmen. Three non-local truck drivers and five workers were shot dead in southern Kashmir last month. The apple industry is the backbone of Kashmir's economy and involves about 3.5 million people. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Unidentified people destroyed apple boxes that were supposed to be sent outside the Kashmir valley. Such incidents were reported from several districts of Jammu and Kashmir state after a call to boycott trade with Indian businessmen. Three non-local truck drivers and five workers were shot dead in southern Kashmir last month. The apple industry is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and involves about 3.5 million people. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Reports say there has been a rise in mental health-related problems among the residents in Kashmir region. Psychologists say the lockdown has caused mental health problems such as anxiety, stress, depression and other related issues. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

Reports say there has been a rise in mental health-related problems among the residents in Kashmir region. Psychologists say the lockdown has caused mental health problems such as anxiety, stress, depression and other related issues. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

As education suffered, people in several parts of the Kashmir valley opened free tuition centres to help the students. 'I along with three of my friends requested several parents to send their wards to get education free of cost. It was challenging to persuade the parents that they will be taking the responsibility of the safety of their children," said Bilal Ahmad, a teacher from Charar-e-Sharif area. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

As education suffered, people in several parts of the Kashmir valley opened free tuition centres to help the students. ‘I along with three of my friends requested several parents to send their wards to get education free of cost. It was challenging to persuade the parents that they will be taking the responsibility of the safety of their children,” said Bilal Ahmad, a teacher from Charar-e-Sharif area. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

A Srinagar man receiving emergency treatment at a city hospital after he was hit by grenade splinters. Grenade attacks in Srinagar have occurred whenever the markets witnessed a rise in the movement of the people. 'I had gone to purchase essential goods when a grenade exploded in Srinagar's central market. I collapsed and found myself in the hospital,' said Mohammad Younis. Over a hundred people have been injured in recent grenade attacks in the valley. [Mukhtar Zahoor/Al Jazeera]

A Srinagar man receiving emergency treatment at a city hospital after he was hit by grenade splinters. Grenade attacks in Srinagar have occurred whenever the markets witnessed a rise in the movement of the people. ‘I had gone to purchase essential goods when a grenade exploded in Srinagar’s central market. I collapsed and found myself in the hospital,’ said Mohammad Younis. Over a hundred people have been injured in recent grenade attacks in the valley. MUKHTAR ZAHOOR/AL JAZEERA

Kashmir’s tourism industry suffered a big jolt after Article 370 was scrapped. 'It has been a season of gloom and despair for us. Kashmir lost its status, we lost our business as well,' said boatman Abdul Rashid who works in Srinagar's iconic Dal Lake. 'The revival will take ages it seems.' [M Mushtaq/Al Jazeera]

Kashmir’s tourism industry suffered a big jolt after Article 370 was scrapped. ‘It has been a season of gloom and despair for us. Kashmir lost its status, we lost our business as well,’ said boatman Abdul Rashid who works in Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake. ‘The revival will take ages it seems.’ M MUSHTAQ/AL JAZEERA
"I lost everything. I have no one besides God. My husband died of a heart attack in 2014. And since then I am living with my two daughters aged 7 and 11 and my ailing mother-in-law," Rafiq told Al Jazeera, pointing to the family's charred utensils, bedding and clothes. [Tauseef Mustafa/AFP]
“I lost everything. I have no one besides God. My husband died of a heart attack in 2014. And since then I am living with my two daughters aged 7 and 11 and my ailing mother-in-law,” Rafiq told Al Jazeera, pointing to the family’s charred utensils, bedding and clothes. TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP
Jan, whose house was burned down in the firefight, said it would difficult for her to rebuild. "We told the security forces to check the whole house as there is no one but they did not listen. They deliberately burned it down to punish us," she said. [Tauseef Mustafa/AFP]
Jan, whose house was burned down in the firefight, said it would difficult for her to rebuild. “We told the security forces to check the whole house as there is no one but they did not listen. They deliberately burned it down to punish us,” she said. TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP
Smoke rises from a house at the site of a gun battle between rebels and government forces in Srinagar. [Tauseef Mustafa/AFP]
Smoke rises from a house at the site of a gun battle between rebels and government forces in Srinagar. TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP
"We don't even have clothes to wear. We could not even take our mobile phones along. They also burned in our homes. We have no documents like identity cards, everything has ended," Afroza told Al Jazeera. [Dar Yasin/AP Photo]
“We don’t even have clothes to wear. We could not even take our mobile phones along. They also burned in our homes. We have no documents like identity cards, everything has ended,” Afroza told Al Jazeera. DAR YASIN/AP PHOTO
Fruits that had been prepared for breaking the Ramadan fast are covered in ash and dust in the kitchen of a damaged house. [Dar Yasin/AP Photo]
Fruits that had been prepared for breaking the Ramadan fast are covered in ash and dust in the kitchen of a damaged house. DAR YASIN/AP PHOTO
The Indian government shut down mobile phone and mobile internet services during subsequent anti-India protests, officials and residents said. [Dar Yasin/AP Photo]
The Indian government shut down mobile phone and mobile internet services during subsequent anti-India protests, officials and residents said. DAR YASIN/AP PHOTO
The region's police chief, Dilbagh Singh, said it was "a clean operation", denying Indian forces were behind the arson or looting. "This was a clean operation, and we were careful that it is a congested area and fire might spread. So, we had kept arrangements like ambulance and other things were there," Singh said. [Farooq Khan/EPA]
The region’s police chief, Dilbagh Singh, said it was “a clean operation”, denying Indian forces were behind the arson or looting. “This was a clean operation, and we were careful that it is a congested area and fire might spread. So, we had kept arrangements like ambulance and other things were there,” Singh said. FAROOQ KHAN/EPA
Some residents have accused Indian forces of setting civilian houses on fire and looting valuables, including cash and jewelry. [Farooq Khan/EPA]
Some residents have accused Indian forces of setting civilian houses on fire and looting valuables, including cash and jewelry. FAROOQ KHAN/EPA
The region's police chief, Dilbagh Singh, said: "We spent four hours in evacuating residents first that's how two cops were injured. When they were evacuating the militants fired at them. There has not been much damage to the houses, the militants were throwing grenades which triggered fire, but we controlled it." [Farooq Khan/EPA]
The region’s police chief, Dilbagh Singh, said: “We spent four hours in evacuating residents first that’s how two cops were injured. When they were evacuating the militants fired at them. There has not been much damage to the houses, the militants were throwing grenades which triggered fire, but we controlled it.” FAROOQ KHAN/EPA

Two Kashmiri men sit outside a shuttered phone-placement shop. Hours before scrapping of Kashmir's special status, the region’s seven million inhabitants were put under an unofficial curfew and an indefinite communications blackout. [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
Two Kashmiri men sit outside a shuttered phone-placement shop. Hours before scrapping of Kashmir’s special status, the region’s seven million inhabitants were put under an unofficial curfew and an indefinite communications blackout. SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA
Since August 5, more than 4,000 teenagers and young men have been arrested from their homes in the middle of the night under stringent detention laws. Many families are unaware of the whereabouts of their loved ones. [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
Since August 5, more than 4,000 teenagers and young men have been arrested from their homes in the middle of the night under stringent detention laws. Many families are unaware of the whereabouts of their loved ones. SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA
On August 19, the Dar family from Buchpora neighbourhood in Srinagar said their sons were arrested the night before. 'They scaled the walls, broke down the door and windows, and demanded to know who was inside. We showed them their [the sons'] identity cards, but they said they were stone pelters,' said the mother of the two men. 'We said: 'No, they are not stone pelters, you can ask the neighbours. If they are stone pelters, you can arrest them. They both work as labourers.' Then they started hitting me. They went upstairs and pulled the boys out of bed. One was pulled out by his hair. Then they hit my daughter and hit me as well. They beat up my sons too. And then they took them away. Initially we didn't even know where they took them.' [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
On August 19, the Dar family from Buchpora neighbourhood in Srinagar said their sons were arrested the night before. ‘They scaled the walls, broke down the door and windows, and demanded to know who was inside. We showed them their [the sons’] identity cards, but they said they were stone pelters,’ said the mother of the two men. ‘We said: ‘No, they are not stone pelters, you can ask the neighbours. If they are stone pelters, you can arrest them. They both work as labourers.’ Then they started hitting me. They went upstairs and pulled the boys out of bed. One was pulled out by his hair. Then they hit my daughter and hit me as well. They beat up my sons too. And then they took them away. Initially we didn’t even know where they took them.’ SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA
The same night, the police also arrested a teenager named Arif from another house in the neighbourhood. His mother showed blood stains on the wall of his room, where police had dragged him out. Neighbours reported that a total of 10 young men were arrested from Buchpora alone that night. Arif's mother said: 'The police hit Arif a lot and blood started oozing from his face. As I began to call people for help, one of the military guys hit me on the head. They broke the window panes, destroyed a lot of things. They didn't let us out of the house. They didn't let us shout for help. There was military on all four sides, surrounding us, we couldn't do anything. They just took him away.' [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
The same night, the police also arrested a teenager named Arif from another house in the neighbourhood. His mother showed blood stains on the wall of his room, where police had dragged him out. Neighbours reported that a total of 10 young men were arrested from Buchpora alone that night. Arif’s mother said: ‘The police hit Arif a lot and blood started oozing from his face. As I began to call people for help, one of the military guys hit me on the head. They broke the window panes, destroyed a lot of things. They didn’t let us out of the house. They didn’t let us shout for help. There was military on all four sides, surrounding us, we couldn’t do anything. They just took him away.’ SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sister of the two young men picked up from Buchpora said, 'My brothers stayed home, they didn't go out much. It's not just us saying this, you can ask anyone in the neighbourhood. They don't pelt stones, they are innocent. This is a good neighbourhood, there are no strikes, no stone throwing, nothing. I don’t understand why they are doing this to us. They're punishing us for no reason.' [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sister of the two young men picked up from Buchpora said, ‘My brothers stayed home, they didn’t go out much. It’s not just us saying this, you can ask anyone in the neighbourhood. They don’t pelt stones, they are innocent. This is a good neighbourhood, there are no strikes, no stone throwing, nothing. I don’t understand why they are doing this to us. They’re punishing us for no reason.’ SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA
Since the night raids and arrests began, a few neighbourhoods in downtown Srinagar have mobilised to protect themselves. Residents have erected barricades using leftover construction material, corrugated sheets, wheel barrows and any other objects they could find lying around. They dug trenches into the roads to stop police jeeps from entering. And warnings about possible raids are broadcast over the local mosque's loudspeaker. [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
Since the night raids and arrests began, a few neighbourhoods in downtown Srinagar have mobilised to protect themselves. Residents have erected barricades using leftover construction material, corrugated sheets, wheel barrows and any other objects they could find lying around. They dug trenches into the roads to stop police jeeps from entering. And warnings about possible raids are broadcast over the local mosque’s loudspeaker. SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA
Young men from the community keep vigil all night, taking turns to staying awake. Residents said the strategies have been helpful in staving off arrests, although not all neighbourhoods have been able to organise in this way. [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
Young men from the community keep vigil all night, taking turns to staying awake. Residents said the strategies have been helpful in staving off arrests, although not all neighbourhoods have been able to organise in this way. SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA
Arif’s mother shows the damage to her house caused by the police raid. The Dars and other families wait for any news about their family members. Many young men who were arrested have been taken to jails hundreds of kilometres away from Kashmir. [Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Al Jazeera]
Arif’s mother shows the damage to her house caused by the police raid. The Dars and other families wait for any news about their family members. Many young men who were arrested have been taken to jails hundreds of kilometres away from Kashmir. SANNA IRSHAD MATTOO/AL JAZEERA

The anti-Islam film, produced in the US state of California in 2011, has provoked protests across the Muslim world, including in India(***)s northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has a Muslim majority.
The anti-Islam film, produced in the US state of California in 2011, has provoked protests across the Muslim world, including in India(***)s northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has a Muslim majority.
Indian policemen patrol a deserted street in Srinagar.
Indian policemen patrol a deserted street in Srinagar.
A protester jumps over a burning tyre. A photographer for news agency AFP said protesters threw stones and set fire to a police van.
A protester jumps over a burning tyre. A photographer for news agency AFP said protesters threw stones and set fire to a police van.
Aside from Srinagar, above, seven other towns in the area saw protests as well.
Aside from Srinagar, above, seven other towns in the area saw protests as well.
Businesses were shut throughout the region as part of a strike to protest the movie. Above, demonstrators shout anti-American slogans.
Businesses were shut throughout the region as part of a strike to protest the movie. Above, demonstrators shout anti-American slogans.
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