Curfew in Srinagar ahead of first anniversary of revocation of Article 370, 'specific inputs' about violent protests

On the eve of first anniversary of abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, a strict curfew was imposed in the Valley on Tuesday, even as Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have been extended till August 8.

Apprehending protests in view of plans by separatists and regional political parties to observe August 5, the first anniversary of revocation of J&K’s special status under Article 370, as “black day”, authorities decided to impose a strict curfew on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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"...Protests are not ruled out. There are specific inputs about violent protests endangering public life and property," the order for Srinagar district said, though the curfew is applicable across Kashmir valley.

However, the order said, people engaged in essential services amid the Covid-19 pandemic are allowed to move.

The decision to impose curfew, sources said, was taken at a core group meeting of security officials, civil administration and intelligence agencies operating in the Valley. The meeting was chaired by General Officer Commanding 15-Corps B S Raju and Director General J&K Police Dilbag Singh on Monday.

Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength across the valley to thwart any attempts of protests on August 5, reports said. Roads and lanes in various parts of the city have been barricaded while concertina wires have also been laid to restrict the movement of people.

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Additionally, the Covid-19 related restrictions, which were imposed from July 31 till August 5, have been extended till August 8.

Hours before the abrogation of J&K’s special status and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories on 5 August last year, a similar curfew had been imposed across the Valley. Hundreds of political leaders had been detained or arrested. Many leaders are still under house arrest, including former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.

While reacting to government’s latest decision to impose curfew, Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti tweeted: ““As expected, ‘normalcy acrobatics’ for 5th August is underway with the imposition of Section 144 in Srinagar along with additional deployment of troops & the city lost in a maze of concertina wires, police vans & barricades.”