Article 370 abrogation: Peaceful J&K marks anniversary amid protest calls by NC, PDP
Srinagar/Jammu, Aug 5 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
Reader Comments
It's sad to see Omar Abdullah posting poetry on X instead of acknowledging the development happening. The youth in Kashmir today have better opportunities than ever before. These leaders from dynastic families are only concerned about their own political survival, not the people. The common Kashmiri just wants peace and a good life.
While I respect the right to dissent, the ground reality speaks for itself. Normalcy in the valley, tourists visiting, and local businesses thriving—these are things we couldn't have imagined before 2019. Pakistan's desperate attempts to destabilise the region have failed. J&K is now truly an integral part of India. 🇮🇳
The way NC and PDP are romanticizing Article 370 is unfortunate. That article only perpetuated separatism and kept the people of J&K away from rights like RTI, reservations, and affirmative action that the rest of India enjoyed. Today, schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana are reaching every household in J&K. That's the true empowerment.
I wish the leaders would focus on constructive politics rather than just marking anniversaries. The people of Kashmir have suffered enough due to conflict. Both the central government and the local leadership should work together to strengthen democracy and ensure that the voices of all communities in J&K are heard. Candlelight vigils won't solve problems.
As an Indian, I see this as a matter of national integration. Article 370 was a temporary provision, yet it stayed for 70 years, creating a separate identity.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.