J-K leaders claim placed under house arrest before of the Supreme Court’s decision on Article 370, but L-G disputes

The Jammu and Kashmir police increased security on Monday morning in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the cases contesting the constitutionality of the Center’s August 2019 move to repeal Article 370 of the Constitution.

A five-judge Constitution Bench, presided over by the Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, heard arguments from the petitioners, the Centre, and the J-K government for sixteen days before deferring to make a decision on September 5. Four years before, the bench had considered many petitions contesting the Center’s action.

According to reports, the police placed prominent political figures under house arrest, including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, two former chief ministers. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the head of the Hurriyat, has also been put under house arrest, according to police sources. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, however, asserts that no one has been detained or placed under house arrest in J&K “for political reasons.” He said, “It’s an attempt to spread rumors.”

In response to the L-G’s assertion, Omar posted pictures of the chains that encircle the gate of his home. “Dear Mr. LG, you are denying what your police force has done, even though these shackles on my gate were not placed by me. Another possibility is that you have no idea what your cops are doing. Which one is it? “Are you acting dishonestly or are your police acting on their own initiative?” he asked.

Mufti confirmed her placement under house arrest to The Indian Express. She said, “Yes, my residence’s gates have all been locked.”

Meanwhile, in a tweet, the Srinagar Police said, “No one has been put under house arrest.”

Authorities have increased security but have also halted instruction at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and the University of Kashmir. According to sources, in the event that the petitions are rejected by the Supreme Court, classes have been halted to avoid any disruption of peace and order.

In addition, the J-K government has designated duty magistrates and supervisors for every area of Srinagar city, requesting them to keep an eye on the state of law and order.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, has written to the security agencies requesting that they halt the security convoy movements on Monday. Additionally, the email asked VIP escort cars to avoid the “troublesome areas.”

Police sources said that security and intelligence services are keeping an eye on social media for any “negative propaganda,” even though there are no restrictions on civilian mobility and the internet is operational.

The J-K Police’s internet division asked residents not to “indulge in propaganda” on Sunday night. A banner said, “All social media users are advised to use social media platforms responsibly and refrain from sharing obscene, violent, and defamatory content, hate speech, or rumors.”

Additionally, users of social media are advised against spreading false narratives and ideologies associated with terrorism and secession. It further said that users should avoid spreading any incriminating material they obtain from other users without first confirming the facts. If they come across any such information, they should notify Cyber Police Kashmir right away rather than sharing it with others.