High tension in the Valley
The government on Monday imposed restrictions under section 144 Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Srinagar district with effect from midnight, which shall remain in force till further orders.
As per the order, there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed.
There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order. Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required.
"It should be noted that there will be no curfew in place as reported in a section of the media," the government order read.
Also Read: J&K Live: All eyes on Union Cabinet meeting
Meanwhile, mobile internet services were partially suspended in Kashmir valley on Sunday, in view of the prevailing security situation in the region in recent days. This comes three days after the Indian Army had said that Pakistani terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and that the security forces have recovered a Pakistan Ordnance Factory anti-personnel mine from a terror cache.
In view of the prevailing security situation in the state, the government on Monday decided to impose Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Jammu with effect from 6 am.
Section 144 prohibits the assembly of more than four people at a time.
"Any pre-planned congregation/sudden unforeseen congregation of ritualistic nature shall be conducted with the prior approval of the District Magistrate," the order read. As a measure of caution, it has been advised that all academic institutions will remain closed until the order is in vogue. Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under Section 188 of Ranbir Penal Code, Jammu district Magistrate Sushma Chauhan said.
1. Prominent Kashmiri politicians meeting on Sunday
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What Omar Abdullah said:
Amid the prevailing tensed situation following alleged house arrest of state leaders, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah late on Sunday appealed people to not take law in hands and "stay calm" and said he was not sure of "what is in store" for Jammu and Kashmir, "but it doesn't look good".
"While I've been focused on Kashmir I must add a word for people in Kargil, Ladakh, and Jammu. I've no idea what is in store for our state but it doesn't look good. I know many of you will be upset by what unfolds. Please don't take the law into your own hands, please stay calm," Omar tweeted.
This comes after the NC leader said that he believed he is being put under house arrest. "Violence will only play into the hands of those who do not have the best interests of the state in mind. This wasn't the India J-K acceded to but I'm not quite ready to give up hope yet. Let calm heads prevail. God be with you all. The move comes at a time when the state has plunged into uncertainty amid a massive security build-up and government advisory asking pilgrims and tourists to leave Kashmir immediately," he wrote in another tweet.
Omar also expressed concerned about people living in the Pir Panchal and Chenab Valley regions and wrote: "Pir Panchal and Chenab Valley regions areas have been very susceptible to attempts at communal violence. I hope the government has taken adequate precautions to ensure no communal trouble breaks out."
(Image-PTI)
2. Mehbooba Mufti remembers Vajpayee
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In the view of prevailing tensed situation in the state, People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday recalls former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for empathizing with Kashmir and said today she is 'feeling his absence the most'.
"Vajpayee ji despite being a BJP leader empathized with Kashmiris and earned their love. Today we feel his absence the most," PDP chief tweeted. This comes hours after the government announced the imposition of Section 144, which restricts the movement of more than four people in Jammu and Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the state government suspended mobile services in Jammu and Srinagar. Schools and colleges have been shut down in Jammu, Reasi, Doda, Kathua, and Udhampur districts and various educational institutions directed their students to vacate hostels.
Reacting to these developments, she said: "Those who accused us of rumor-mongering realise that our fears weren't misplaced. Leaders under house arrest, broadband services suspended and section 144 enforced isn't normal by any standard."
She further said those who are "celebrating the situation here are ignorant about the far-reaching consequences of any unilateral action that'll be taken by the Centre."
In her earlier tweets, the PDP chief over the alleged house arrest of the leaders said that the voices of people who fought for peace are being muzzled.
"How ironic that elected representatives like us who fought for peace are under house arrest. The world watches as people and their voices are being muzzled in J-K," former chief minister of the state Mufti tweeted.She said Kashmir that chose a secular democratic India is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude. "The same Kashmir that chose a secular democratic India is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude. Wake up India," she further wrote.
(Image-AFP)
3. Union Cabinet to meet at 9.30 AM
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Amidst huge build up of tension in the Kashmir valley, and massive anticipation of what fate awaits them, the Union Cabinet is set to meet at 9.30 AM today on PM Modi's residence. There are reports that key decision regarding Kashmir is likely to be taken in that meeting.
On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met NSA Ajit Doval and the evolving Kashmir situation was part of the agenda, as per reports.
(Image-AFP)
