Article 370 abrogation: Peaceful J&K marks anniversary amid protest calls by NC, PDP
Srinagar/Jammu, Aug 5 (IANS) Security was tightened across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
A senior police officer said despite calls for protests by some political parties, life started normally in the union territory as offices, banks, educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, opened in the morning.
“Transport, shops and other business establishments started working as usual. There is no report of any untoward incident so far from anywhere in J&K,” the officer said.
As a precautionary measure, tight security arrangements were put in place in Srinagar city to thwart protests by political parties on the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
The ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have called for protests to mark the day when Parliament abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Extra vigil is being maintained around the city centre, Lal Chowk, which has been the centre of political protests in Kashmir in the past.
Roads leading to the headquarters of the NC and the PDP have been sealed amid the deployment of police and the CRPF around these offices.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah began the day by posting on X, “7 years, we haven’t forgotten & we haven’t reconciled far less accepted our current circumstances. My party & I remain committed to reversing all that was done to J&K that took away our rights & threatens our identity. The woods are lovely, dark & deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep……..”
PDP chief and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday night led her party’s candlelight vigil and a sit-in outside the party headquarters to protest the Centre’s decision. She called for restoration of J&K’s special status.
Interestingly, while the NC has been demanding restoration of statehood, the PDP has been demanding the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A along with statehood.
The PDP is also opposing the demand for just the restoration of statehood, asserting that this demand is aimed at legitimisation of the abrogation of Article 370 and snatching away the special status of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
–IANS
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