The protests are about the disputed area of ​​Kashmir, and take place on India's National Day. The protesters oppose India's decision to revoke special laws

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the countries became independent from the UK in 1947. But now India has torn down Article 370, which means that Kashmir may, among other things, have its own flag and exercise self-government in all matters except foreign policy and defense issues.

The decision has been met by protests in both India and Pakistan. In Kashmir, more than 500 people have been arrested, including political leaders and activists, reports AFP.

Defended the decision

During a National Day speech on Thursday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the Kashmir decision. He believes that Kashmir's previous self-government had only called for corruption, reports the BBC.

He believes that former leaders have not had the courage to do what he has done, because they have been worried about his political future.

“I'm not afraid of my political future. For me, the future of the country is ahead, ”Narendra Modi said.

Pakistan celebrates National Day the day before India. On Wednesday, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan criticized India for its actions in Kashmir. Narendra Modi did not address the issues directly during his speech, but criticized people sitting at home and opposed the tearing down of Article 270 to "play politics".