Friday, 6 September, marked one month since Article 370 was abrogated and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was shut to the rest of the world. Tourists, students and others from outside Kashmir were told to leave because of an ‘apparent terror threat’.
Kashmiris, however, knew something more was going on. That something unexpected was going to happen. And so it did.
What has this past month been like in Kashmir? I stay in Rajouri and decided to chronicle everything that happened since the fated day.
Day 1
Everyone is glued to news channels. At 11:00 am, we find out that Article 370 has been scrapped.
By that time, there were barricades along all roads and the Internet had already been barred. Phones had stopped working and a curfew was implemented.
Day 2
My family is gathered around the TV. Everyone is making assumptions and wondering 'What’s next?'.
The men in my family are engaged in political discussions, mostly about the consequences of the decision.
Day 3
I was supposed to go to Delhi for educational counselling, which was scheduled for 9 August.
Unfortunately, I lost my seat in the college because there was no way I could I have reached Delhi. Couldn’t help but just sit back and see all this happening.
Day 4
No more vegetables available at home.
We are managing somehow, but it's getting difficult as Papa is supposed to eat only fresh vegetables and fruits given his illness.
Day 5
Little sister's surgery was scheduled for today.
There is no contact with my family members in Jammu. The communication blackout feels like torture.
Day 6
There is not even a slight change in the situation. It has been a week but it feels like forever now.
Day 7
I can't believe its Eid tomorrow. In my entire lifetime, I haven't seen any festival as numb as this one.
I couldn't get my Eid outfit. Mamma couldn't buy sweets and other eatables.
Thankfully, my sister and other family members arrived today. Her surgery was successful. But, it's disgusting to know that the forces were not allowing them to travel further than the checkpost. That too, when they had reached Rajouri.
How could it not matter to them that a patient was being taken home?
Day 8
It was Eid-ul-Zuha today but it didn't feel like that. It feels so incomplete without getting wished by loved ones or wishing them. Mamma didn't make all the Eid dishes that she always makes.
Day 9
Bhai was going to Mamu's house, 1.5 km away from ours. He was sent back for not having an identity card on him.
Why is the Indian media lying by suggesting that people are happily celebrating Eid and that there are no restrictions?
Day 10
Tomorrow is 15 August, the historic day of Independence. We have already been warned to not go out. I can't believe it's been 10 days since I went out.
There has been no milk for the last three days. I miss having chai at noon with lots of cream.
Day 11
A very happy Independence Day to us for being freed on 15 August 1947. But on 15 August 2019, we are still caged and unable to speak out.
Today is Raksha Bandhan as well. I couldn't wish my brothers.
Day 12
Unfortunately, an aunty in the neighborhood died yesterday, but we came to know of it today.
My sister and I went to my Uncle's house to tell him about the incident. I feel restricted because of the communication blackout.
Day 13
There is a total information blackout, still. I can't receive any information regarding my admission results.
If I lose my seat for a second time, even after preparing for three continuous years, what am I supposed to do? Sit at home and wait till the government is in the mood to normalise the situation?
Day 14
Doesn't matter if it's Sunday or Monday. Every day feels the same. I feel sick for not being able to talk to any of my friends. I don't know if they are fine or not.
Day 15
As usual, my day revolves around sitting in front of the TV, flipping through news channels, waiting hopelessly for any news about things getting better. When will that day come?
Day 16
It's been so many days now.
There is an urge to fight this injustice, yet there is a fear of being detained.
Day 17
Am I getting used to this? Little changes have been seen so far. It's torturous to listen to the same lies over and again from the media.
Day 18
Today, I have come to Jammu with my Uncle, who had a curfew pass. Feels good to breathe in the air of ‘normalcy’. Shops are open and I can spot people here and there.
Day 19
I finally have Internet after 20 days.
Mobile Internet hasn't been restored yet, but at least the broadband is working, no matter how slow.
Day 20
Some people are celebrating Janmashtami. Feels really good to know that at least another festival didn't just pass away in numbness.
Day 21
It's been 21 days. Can't deny the fact that things are fine in Jammu, but not being able to contact my parents back home is disheartening.
Day 22
It was a good day today. Felt good to be able to go outside without being asked for identification proof.
Day 23
Things are getting smoother, but the Internet blockade has caused a great loss to students like me, who are directly or indirectly dependent on the Internet for every possible thing, studying being the most important.
Day 24
I am getting back to my daily routine. Hopes are high but can't mistake this as trust for the government and its decisions.
Day 25
It's an extremely happy day for me. Phone networks have been restored in Rajouri. I could finally talk to Mamma and Papa after so many days. My heart feels so light; I slept well too.
Day 26
Communication has been partly restored and being in contact with my parents is such a relaxing feeling.
Day 27
Knowing that the heavy number of forces that were deployed earlier are reducing is reassuring.
Day 28
I can't believe it started in August and is still continuing in September.
Day 29
I'm so happy today. I talked to few of my friends on the phone after a really long time.
Day 30
Mobile and broadband services have been restored, but mobile Internet is still not working. A sense of fear and anger prevails in people.
Day 31
It’s already been a month of misery and pain. It feels like forever.
(All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)