J&K On High Alert: Security Measures And Controversies Mark Fifth Anniversary Of Article 370 Abrogation

Security forces across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert to mark the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, on August 5.

In anticipation of potential security threats, the police have issued a "dry day" advisory, restricting the movement of security convoys and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims between base camps.

J&K On High Alert On Fifth Anniversary Of Article 370 Abrogation

As a precaution, no new groups of pilgrims were permitted to depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp to Kashmir today. "The yatra has been suspended for the day as a precautionary measure. No fresh batches have been allowed from Jammu to Kashmir," an officer informed PTI.

The J&K unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is commemorating the fifth anniversary with an 'Ekatma Mahatsav' rally at Bana Singh Stadium in R S Pura. The event aims to celebrate the 'complete unification' of J&K with India. Enhanced security measures are in place to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

J-K BJP general secretary and former MLC Vibodh Gupta hailed August 5, 2019, as a landmark day, describing the abrogation of Article 370 as a correction of a historic blunder. Gupta emphasized the progress made since then, noting that people of J&K now enjoy all rights and liberties and are advancing on the path of development, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In contrast, opposition parties such as the Congress and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have criticized the BJP's celebration of the anniversary. Congress chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma accused the BJP of insensitivity, alleging that the party is disregarding the historical significance and the impact on the people of J&K.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the abrogation, arguing that while the Congress labels August 5 as a "Black Day," the nation views it as the anniversary of a historic decision that unified India under one constitution and one flag, as per news report.

The PDP plans to observe August 5 as a "black day," staging a protest outside their headquarters. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti condemned the abrogation as a blemish on Indian democracy, claiming that the state's purported peace and normalcy are mere facades for continued suppression. Mufti's post on X asserted that despite the ongoing restrictions, the people of Kashmir remain resilient and resistant.