Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): The BJP’s Kashmir unit today celebrated the first anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh.
BJP leaders and workers celebrated the day by unfurling the flag and distributing sweets among each other at the party headquarters. The biggest function was held in BJP’s Srinagar office where the national flag was hoisted amid a pledge that all the party leaders will serve J&K to the best of their capabilities.
However, strict restrictions have been imposed by the authorities across Jammu and Kashmir to avoid large public gatherings.
The district magistrate, Srinagar, yesterday evening stated that curfew has been lifted from Srinagar but people of the city woke up to strict curbs especially in the volatile downtown Srinagar where heavy deployment of security forces was made on all major roads to keep an eye on the suspects.
People in the city told NVI that pools of concertina wires were put in places on major roads in Srinagar district to prevent major public movement.
Officials said that Section 144 of IPC, that prohibits gathering of more than four persons at one place at a time, was strictly being implemented across Srinagar and other major towns in districts across the Valley especially in southern districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag.
Officials from Srinagar administration said that restrictions were in place to prevent Covid-19 spread and it had nothing to do with the August 5.
However, Srinagar administration disallowed the crucial meeting convened by the former chief minister of J&K, Dr Farooq Abdullah at his Gupkar, Srinagar residence. Dr Farooq had invited all the leaders from various political parties to evolve a consensus on the future strategy post abrogation of Article 370.
Talking to NVI, Dr Farooq said that roads leading to his house have been sealed by the security forces and nobody is allowed to walk on the road. “The leaders I had invited for the meeting have been put under house arrest.”
Meanwhile, J&K BJP spokesman, Altaf Thakur, said that the party celebrated one year of Article 370 revocation at all district headquarters and the main function was held in Srinagar office of the party. “The celebrations will last for 15 days and there will be virtual rallies followed by the visits of various union ministers of J&K in the days ahead. They will meet people and listen to their grievances,” Thakur said.
-CHK
