The seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 passed off peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday amid additional measures put across Union Territory even as normal life remained unaffected.
Authorities had put in place elaborate security arrangements across the Union Territory ahead of August 5, which marks the Centre’s decision in 2019 to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status and reorganise the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Normal life remained unaffected in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with markets open and public transport operating normally, although security presence was visibly higher than usual in major towns.
Additional deployments of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other security agencies were made at sensitive locations across Srinagar and other district headquarters. Security was heightened around vital installations, government buildings, markets, transport hubs and other vulnerable locations.
Officials said vehicle checking, frisking of commuters and area domination exercises were intensified in both urban and rural areas, while surveillance through checkpoints and mobile patrols was stepped up to maintain law and order.
“No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the Union Territory, and the day passed off peacefully,” a senior police officer said here.
Another official said the elaborate security arrangements were made as a precautionary measure and the significance of the day.
“We had put in place a comprehensive security plan involving multiple agencies. Preventive measures, enhanced patrolling, intensified checking and close coordination among all security forces ensured that the situation remained completely peaceful throughout the day,” the official said.
Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had unofficially announced that no permission would be granted to any political party or organisation to hold protest demonstrations anywhere in the Union Territory on August 5.
In advisories issued on Tuesday evening, police had warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to organise or participate in unauthorised protests.
Despite the restrictions, the ruling National Conference organised a protest demonstration at its headquarters, Nawa-i-Subah, in Srinagar. Party leaders and workers assembled inside the office complex and attempted to march towards the city centre but were stopped by police.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also attempted to hold a protest, but security personnel prevented party workers from assembling as restrictions remained in force in parts of Srinagar, including around Lal Chowk.
Security arrangements were equally stringent in other district headquarters across Kashmir as well as in the Jammu division, where additional checkpoints were established and security personnel maintained heightened vigil throughout the day.
Officials said anti-sabotage checks were carried out at important public places, while quick reaction teams remained on standby to respond to any contingency. CCTV surveillance was also intensified at strategic locations.
A senior security official said close coordination among the police, Army, CAPFs and intelligence agencies helped maintain normalcy across the Union Territory.
“Security arrangements were reviewed at regular intervals throughout the day. All agencies worked in close coordination and remained alert to any possible threat. Public cooperation also contributed to maintaining peace and normalcy,” the official said.
Officials expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the day, saying the coordinated efforts of the security agencies ensured that the anniversary passed without any law and order incident.
