Kashmir turmoil: Abdullah, Mehbooba put under house arrest
National Conference chief Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti have been put under house arrest as the authorities imposed restrictions on the people's movements across Srinagar. Mobile and internet services have also been suspended in the Valley.
"Former CMs Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti not to be allowed to move out of house as strict curfew to be imposed at crack of dawn, " the police said.
I believe I’m being placed under house arrest from midnight tonight," former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said in a tweet.
He added that the "process had already started for other mainstream leaders". "No way of knowing if this is true but if it is then I’ll see all of you on the other side of whatever is in store. Allah save us," his tweet read.
Omar Abdullah, however, asked people to remain calm. "To the people of Kashmir, we don’t know what is in store for us but I am a firm believer that what ever Almighty Allah has planned it is always for the better, we may not see it now but we must never doubt his ways. Good luck to everyone, stay safe & above all PLEASE STAY CALM," he said in another tweet.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also shared her concerns on the reports of curfew-like situation in the Valley. "Hearing reports about internet being snapped soon including cellular coverage. Curfew passes being issued too. God knows what awaits us tomorrow. It’s going to be a long night," she said.
"How ironic that elected representatives like us who fought for peace are under house arrest. The world watches as people & their voices are being muzzled in J&K. The same Kashmir that chose a secular democratic India is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude. Wake up India," Mehbooba Mufti said in another tweet.
People's Conference leader Sajad Lone has also been put under house arrest.
Congress leader Usman Majid and CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami have also said that they are under house arrested.
Curfew-like restrictions imposed in Srinagar
Authorities have clamped prohibitory orders under the Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits assembly of more than four people at a time.
Mobile and internet services have also been suspended in the Valley.
Government has imposed restrictions in Srinagar with effect from 1200 Hrs on August 5, 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.
Jammu DC has also advised educational institutions to remain closed. "All schools, colleges and academic institutions both private and government are advised to remain closed as a measure of caution," the advisory said.
The orders come in view of the heightened tensions in the area over deployement of security troops and rumours that the government was planning to scrap Article 35 A and Article 370, which provide for special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reacting to the development, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the developments in Jammu and Kashmir.
"What is going on in J&K? Why would leaders be arrested overnight while having done no wrong? If Kashmiris are our citizens &their leaders our partners, surely the mainstream ones must be kept on board while we act against terrorists & separatists? If we alienate them, who’s left?," Tharoor said.
Source: India Today
