The situation in The Kashmir valley became tense after former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti, and Omar Abdullah and politician Sajad Lone were placed under house arrest on Sunday midnight. Internet and mobile services have been suspended and Section 144 clamped in Srinagar.
The Indian government recently called off Amarnath Yatra, citing security concerns over terrorists from Pakistan plotting an attack. Authorities have tightened security and there is an increase in the number of troops in the valley.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah tweeted that an unofficial curfew is expected and refuted the government claims by saying, “So we can debunk the stories that were being fed to the channels about everything that’s been happening in Kashmir over the last few days, including the yatra stoppage, happening because of Pakistan.”
“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. Allah save us,” he tweeted.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also tweeted about the situation in Kashmir and appealed to the country to wake up.
How ironic that elected representatives like us who fought for peace are under house arrest. The world watches as people & their voices are being muzzled in J&K. The same Kashmir that chose a secular democratic India is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude. Wake up India
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 4, 2019
All educational institutions have been shut down and students asked to vacate hostels.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said that it is the right time for US President Donald Trump to mediate on Kashmir issue. He also warned India against any “misadventure or aggression” by the Indian forces.
Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address both houses of Parliament shortly.
