The state of the Territory

On the morning of Eid al-Adha in Srinagar, a young boy in spotless, if creased, kurta-pyjamas is trying but failing to keep his sheep under control. The sheep, perhaps sensing its impending sacrifice, tries to make a run for it and becomes entangled in the coiled mesh at one of the security checkpoints that have blanketed the city since August 5, when the government announced its intention to do away with Article 370 which conferred special status and autonomy on Kashmir. Anticipating protests, the government had cleared Kashmir of tourists, including Amarnath pilgrims, at the height of the season, and imposed a communications ban, affecting mobile phones, the Internet and even landlines.

Stuck, the sheep bleated while the boy became increasingly upset at being unable to help. It was finally rescued by the men manning the checkpoint. They were wearing camouflage, their bodies weighed down with protective gear; some of them were armed. And soon the boy is joined by other children his age who help him corral the sheep. They say their Eid plans will differ this year, with no one lighting firecrackers, going shopping, or flying kites. Instead, says one boy shyly,