Tight Security in Kashmir on "Black Day" Anniversary

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Hundreds of additional army and police forces were deployed in Kashmir on Thursday as separatist groups called for the commemoration of "Black Day" on the second anniversary of India imposing direct rule.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since 1947, as both countries claim the territory in full. Fighting in the last two decades in Indian-administered Kashmir has resulted in tens of thousands of dead, most of whom are civilians.

Indian Prime Minister Modi's government changed its approach to Kashmir, from allowing it partial autonomy to splitting it into two federal territories, arresting thousands in a massive operation that lasted months.

Now, ahead of the second anniversary of "Black Day", security forces erected numerous new checkpoints and barricades across Srinagar with personnel in bulletproof gear checking vehicles and frisking residents on the roads.

The separatists have called for a general shutdown to protest, with the call being echoed by smaller separatist groups. 

Former Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and dozens of other local politicians spent months incarcerated after being arrested in the 2019 operation.

Large numbers of people remain behind bars either in Kashmir or elsewhere, held under controversial legislation that allows them to be detained for up to two years without charge.