What is happening in Kashmir? Leaders under house arrest, schools shut, internet down
New Delhi : Tension and uncertainty increased in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday as several senior leaders like Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been put under house arrest; schools have been closed and internet in the valley has been shut till further notice.
Omar Abdullah tweeted late night to reveal that the leaders have been put under the house arrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I believe I’m being placed under house arrest from midnight tonight & the process has 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,” National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted late on Sunday.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor responded to Omar Abdullah’s tweet and said he “was not alone”.
“Every Indian democrat will stand with the decent mainstream leaders in Kashmir as you face up to whatever the government has in store for our country. Parliament is still in session & our voices will not be stilled,” Tharoor tweeted.
“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? (sic)” he said in another tweet.
The government move comes after a massive security build-up and an advisory asking tourists and pilgrims to leave the restive state, citing security threats from terrorists backed by the Pakistan army.
The authorities imposed Section 144 in the valley. The restriction that does not allow gathering of more than four people at one place will stay 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,” a government statement said.
“Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required. However, there is no curfew in place as reported in a section of media,” it added.
