Deaths over past 30 days follow Indian government’s decision to strip region of autonomy

Five civilians have died in Indian Kashmir, including an 18-year-old man, officials confirmed, one month after Delhi’s decision to revoke the region’s special status.

Residents across Kashmir faced a 31st day living under a heightened military presence, without phone or internet access. A communications blackout was imposed when the Indian government stripped the region of any autonomy on 5 August.

Pakistan PM says army is preparing to respond to anticipated Indian aggression in region

Pakistan’s prime minister, Imran Khan, has threatened to “teach Delhi a lesson” and vowed to fight until the end against any Indian violations in disputed Kashmir.

In some of his strongest words since Delhi revoked Indian-administered Kashmir’s special status last week, Khan said the army was preparing to respond to anticipated Indian aggression in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Exclusive: Special rapporteur speaks out as Indian-administered territory faces fourth day in lockdown

The unprecedented communications blackout imposed on Indian-administered Kashmir could signal a departure in the way democratic states clamp down on information in contentious areas, the UN’s special rapporteur on freedom of expression has said.

“There’s something about this shutdown that is draconian in a way other shutdowns usually are not,” David Kaye told the Guardian.