J&K on High Alert as Security Tightened Ahead of Article 370 Abrogation 7th Anniversary

Security has been significantly strengthened across Jammu and Kashmir as authorities prepare for the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. A multi-layered security arrangement has been put in place across the Union Territory, with additional deployment in border districts and intensified surveillance at key locations.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out extensive security checks along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban, while Kulgam Police increased vehicle inspections and identity verification on National Highway-44 as part of precautionary measures aimed at maintaining law and order. On August 5, 2019, the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370, ending the special constitutional status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The move also reorganised the region into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The decision was introduced in Parliament by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who presented the resolution in the Rajya Sabha. During the debate, Shah criticised opposition parties, including the National Conference, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Congress, alleging that a handful of political families had dominated the regions politics for decades. Shah also argued that Jammu and Kashmirs accession to India was completed through the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 27, 1947, and maintained that Article 370, which came into effect later, was not the constitutional link between the region and the rest of India.

Before its repeal, Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir a special constitutional position, limiting Parliaments legislative powers over the region and restricting property ownership by individuals from other parts of the country. Officials said no permission has been granted for protest demonstrations at several locations, and security agencies remain on high alert to prevent any disturbance to public order during the anniversary.

Speaking on the occasion, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana said the abrogation of Article 370 addressed long-standing issues in the region. He claimed that the move improved governance, expanded rights for women and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), encouraged tourism and investment, facilitated international events such as the G20 meetings, and contributed to higher public confidence. Referring to recent Assembly elections, he also said the voter turnout reflected growing public participation in the democratic process.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey described the removal of Article 370 as a long-cherished objective of the partys founder Balasaheb Thackeray. While welcoming the growth in tourism and ongoing political developments in the Union Territory, Dubey said he hopes the Centre will restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, adding that such a step could further accelerate the regions development and help strengthen cooperation between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.