New delhi sources stated that in an
announcement with massive repercussions for Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister
amit shah has announced in Rajya Sabha that the government has decided to
repeal Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to J&K.
Meanwhile the government has also decided to bifurcate the state into two Union
territories Jammu and Kashmir, which will have a legislature, and Ladakh, which
will be without a legislature.
Furthermore Shah’s announcement was immediately followed by massive uproar in the Upper House with opposition MPs protesting in the Well of the House. Reportedly back in the Valley, three of Jammu and Kashmir's most prominent politicians mehbooba mufti, omar abdullah and Sajjad Lone are under house arrest amid a massive security-built up in the state. Reports added internet services and mobile services have been suspended in several places and all public gatherings are banned in srinagar district as section 144 was imposed from midnight.
Moreover as per the order, there will be no movement
of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed and there
will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during
the period of operation of this order. Perhaps after the Jammu and Kashmir
administration curtailed the Amarnath Yatra and asked pilgrims and tourists to
leave the Valley at the earliest on Friday, anxious residents continue to
throng markets to stock on essentials and serpentine queues have been visible
outside shops and fuel stations. Moreover various educational institutions in
Kashmir Valley also directed their students to vacate hostels and the
authorities in Jammu and Udhampur district also ordered closure of schools and
colleges as precautionary measures.
