India locks down Kashmir after top separatist leader’s death

By AIJAZ HUSSAIN
Associated Press

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Indian authorities have restricted public movement and cut communications in disputed Kashmir after the death of top separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani. Armed police and soldiers patrolled tense, barricaded streets while most Kashmiris remained locked inside their homes. The crackdown and near-blackout of communications are tactics India has commonly used to ward off mass protests. Geelani died late Wednesday at age 91. His son said authorities quietly buried his father without any family members present. Geelani spearheaded Kashmir’s movement for the right to self-determination and wanted the disputed Kashmir region to be merged with Pakistan. India’s archrival observed a day of mourning and condemned Geelani’s non-public burial.