On the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, several prominent political leaders in the region, including PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq, have reported being placed under house arrest. The heightened security measures come amidst claims of oppression and criticism of the Central government’s decision to revoke the article and reorganize the region into union territories.
BulletsIn
- Mehbooba Mufti, president of the PDP, reported being placed under house arrest and her party office being locked.
- The heightened security is related to the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
- Official sources confirmed that the office of the Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari, was also closed as a precautionary measure.
- National Conference chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq claimed he was also placed under house arrest.
- Sadiq described his detention as unnecessary and illegal, with police blocking his movement.
- Sadiq criticized the abrogation of Article 370 as unconstitutional and a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The Central government revoked Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and implemented the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act.
- This act bifurcated the former state into two union territories: Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
- People’s Conference president Sajad Gani Lone labeled August 5 as a reminder of the “complete disempowerment” of Kashmiri people.
- Lone noted the lack of an elected Assembly and local representation in the region’s governance, criticizing the absence of substantial national voices addressing these issues.
