Srinagar, August 5: On the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have suspended the Amarnath Yatra due to security concerns. Official sources confirmed the decision on Wednesday.
Sources indicated that the movement of pilgrims towards the valley has been restricted, and no convoy returning from the pilgrimage will be allowed to proceed towards Jammu. However, pilgrims are permitted to travel from the Baltal base camp in northern Kashmir to the sacred cave temple.
The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans for protests across Jammu and Kashmir on this anniversary, demanding the restoration of special status and the release of political prisoners. In addition to district-wise protests, the PDP has proposed a symbolic 15-minute blackout.
To maintain law and order, authorities have heightened security, imposed travel restrictions, and denied permission for formal protests. Reports suggest that several senior leaders, including former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, have been placed under house arrest to prevent their participation in the proposed demonstrations.
Police and CRPF personnel have been deployed around the PDP headquarters and sensitive areas. Authorities had previously denied permission for the proposed protests due to potential law and order issues.
It is noteworthy that the central BJP government abrogated Article 370 through Parliament on August 5, 2019, revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special autonomous status. The central government also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Interestingly, the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir is advocating for the restoration of full statehood, while the PDP, which is vocal in favor of Article 370, opposes the National Conference’s demand.
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