In anticipation of the Supreme Court’s decision on a number of petitions contesting the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted the former state of Jammu and Kashmir a special status, security was stepped up throughout Kashmir on Monday, according to officials.
They said that in order to uphold law and order, security forces have been stationed throughout the valley.
According to the officials, checkpoints have been erected throughout Srinagar city, and individuals and cars are being randomly frisked and checked.
There are also a few locations in other Kashmiri districts where checkpoints have been installed.
But according to the officials, there are no limitations on where people can go in the valley.
“Everything is as it normally is. As usual, stores and other commercial buildings opened for business in the morning. Nowhere are there restrictions,” remarked one of them.
According to the officials, attempts to disturb the peace will be met with force since the security agencies are closely monitoring the situation.
Social media users are advised by the Cyber Police, Kashmir, to use the platforms sensibly and abstain from spreading hate speech, rumors, fake news, and offensive, violent, or defamatory content.
The Cyber Police issued an advisory, saying, “Moreover, social media users are cautioned not to indulge in propagation of terrorist and secessionist ideology and false narrative.”
It stated that the dissemination of any incriminating material obtained from other users may be prevented, and that social media users should notify the Cyber Police right away of any such information they become aware of, rather than disseminating it.
As a precaution, the officials said that there will be no convoy movement permitted on Monday.
In addition, all security forces and senior superintendents of police were advised not to move vehicles escorting or carrying VIPs and protected persons in “troublesome areas” by the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone.
On Monday, the Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its decision regarding the petitions contesting the repeal of Article 370’s provisions.
On August 5, 2019, the Center revoked the provisions of Article 370, dividing the former state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
