Kashmir’s Security Has Tightened Ahead of the Supreme Court’s Decision on Article 370

Srinagar: According to authorities, security was stepped up across Kashmir on Monday in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s decision on a number of cases contesting the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted the former state of Jammu and Kashmir unique status.

They said that in order to maintain law and order, security troops have been stationed across the valley.

According to the government, checkpoints have been up around Srinagar city, and individuals and cars are being randomly frisked and checked.

There are also a few locations in other Kashmiri districts where checkpoints have been installed.

However according to the government, there are no limitations on where individuals may go in the valley.

“Everything is how it typically is. As usual, stores and other commercial buildings opened for business in the morning. Nowhere are any limits,” said one of them.

According to the authorities, efforts to disrupt the calm would be met with force as the security services are closely monitoring the situation.

Social media users are instructed by the Cyber Police, Kashmir, to utilize the platforms sensibly and abstain from spreading hate speech, rumors, false news, and offensive, violent, or defamatory information.

The Cyber Police issued an alert, saying, “Moreover, social media users are cautioned not to indulge in propagation of terrorist and secessionist ideology and false narrative.”

It said that the dissemination of any incriminating material obtained from other users may be prevented and that social media users should notify the Cyber Police right away of any such information they become aware of, rather than disseminating it.

As a precaution, the authorities indicated that there would be no convoy movement permitted on Monday.

In addition, all security personnel and senior superintendents of police were advised not to move vehicles escorting or transporting VIPs and protected individuals in “troublesome areas” by the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone.

On Monday, the Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its decision about the petitions contesting the repeal of Article 370’s provisions.

On August 5, 2019, the Center revoked the provisions of Article 370, dividing the former state into the Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.