India's top court is taking up legal challenges to the government's decision to revoke Indian-controlled Kashmir's special status and has asked the government to explain its stance to the court.
The Supreme Court held a preliminary hearing on the petitions Wednesday and said five judges will start a regular hearing in October.
It ordered the federal government to file its replies to 14 petitions and inform the court about the media restrictions imposed in Kashmir.
Kashmiri men walk past closed shops in central Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Earlier this month, the Indian government revoked Muslim-majority Kashmir's decades-old special status guaranteed under India's constitution. The government followed the move with an intense crackdown including a media blackout and backed by thousands of troops. (AP PhotoDar Yasin)
India's Hindu-led government imposed a security lockdown and communications blackout in Muslim-majority Kashmir to avoid a violent reaction to the Aug. 5 decision to downgrade the region's autonomy.
The decision has touched off anger in Indian-controlled Kashmir and in neighboring Pakistan. Kashmir is claimed by both nations and divided between them.
Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard at a closed market in central Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Earlier this month, the Indian government revoked Muslim-majority Kashmir's decades-old special status guaranteed under India's constitution. The government followed the move with an intense crackdown including a media blackout and backed by thousands of troops. (AP PhotoDar Yasin)
Kashmiri men sit outside a closed market in central Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Earlier this month, the Indian government revoked Muslim-majority Kashmir's decades-old special status guaranteed under India's constitution. The government followed the move with an intense crackdown including a media blackout and backed by thousands of troops. (AP PhotoDar Yasin)
Kashmiri children play cricket outside a closed market in central Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Earlier this month, the Indian government revoked Muslim-majority Kashmir's decades-old special status guaranteed under India's constitution. The government followed the move with an intense crackdown including a media blackout and backed by thousands of troops. (AP PhotoDar Yasin)
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — A boat carrying a group of people capsized in a river in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, drowning four of them, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The boat capsized in Jhelum river near Srinagar, the region’s main city. Most of the passengers were children, and rescuers were searching for many others who were still missing.
Heavy rains fell over the region in the past few days, leading to higher water levels in the river.
Boating accidents are common in India, where many vessels are overcrowded and have inadequate safety equipment.
Last year, 22 people drowned when a double-decker boat carrying more than 30 passengers capsized near a beach in Kerala state in southern India.
In May 2018, 30 people died when their boat capsized on the swollen Godavari River in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
Family members and relatives cry after a boat carrying people including children capsized in Jhelum river on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, April. 16, 2024. Rescue operation is continuing for the several missing people. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
Family members and relatives cry after a boat carrying people including children capsized in Jhelum river on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, April. 16, 2024. Rescue operation is continuing for the several missing people. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
Rescuers of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search after a boat carrying people including children capsized in Jhelum river on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, April. 16, 2024. Rescue operation is continuing for the several missing people. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
Family members and relatives cry after a boat carrying people including children capsized in Jhelum river on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, April. 16, 2024. Rescue operation is continuing for the several missing people. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
People watch rescuers of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search after a boat carrying people including children capsized in Jhelum river on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, April. 16, 2024. Rescue operation is continuing for the several missing people. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
Family members and relatives cry after a boat carrying people including children capsized in Jhelum river on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, April. 16, 2024. Rescue operation is continuing for the several missing people. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
Rescuers prepare to search after a boat carrying people including children capsized in Jhelum river on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, April. 16, 2024. Rescue operation is continuing for the several missing people. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
