Security is tightened on the first anniversary of the region’s special status. There have been restrictions on movement in Kashmir.
5th August denotes the anniversary of the revocation of exceptional status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. Remembering security, the UT organization has forced a check-in time over the Kashmir valley, which came into power since Monday late night. The choice was taken at a center gathering meeting of security authorities, common organization, and knowledge offices, which was led by General Officer Commanding 15 Corps B S Raju and Director General J&K Police Dilbag Singh.
Police vehicles were in constant surveillance of Srinagar since evening on Monday and again on Tuesday morning, with officials utilizing megaphones to warn people to remain inside. New razor-wire and steel blockades were set on central areas of Srinagar, and on Tuesday a huge number of government troops were spread all around the city in constant vigilance. Soldiers kept asking everyone to return home.
The court order signed by the magistrate said, “Pursuant to a review of the incident-free situation of August 4 and further reports received in this context, the matter has been re-examined and it has been decided to remove restrictions.”
The order also mentioned complete lockdown in containment and red zones of the district and restrictions on the movement of more than 3 persons would be prohibited.
This curfew is quite similar to the one that was imposed last year, before the critical decision and final announcement of the abrogation of Article 370. Last year, on this day communications, were shut down and tens of thousands of fresh troops were allotted in the valley. Three former Chief ministers along with other 7000 people were taken into custody. Some of them are still under house arrest.
After the sudden decision of August 5, 2019, Indian specialists implemented a data power outage and a security clampdown in Kashmir for months. As a portion of the limitations was facilitated, India upheld another brutal lockdown in March to battle the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
Amidst all of this, The National Conference President and previous Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah welcomed the authorities of numerous political parties for an important gathering at his place in Srinagar on August 5. Various political parties including the PDP, the Congress, the Awami National Conference, CPI(M), PDF, Peoples’ Conference, and the J&K Peoples’ Movement have been welcomed. It could be about bringing back peace and harmony in the state as well as development. But what is uncertain is when?