The government on early Monday imposed restrictions across the Kashmir Valley. Mobile data services have been suspended in Kashmir, it was announced late on Sunday night.
“The government has imposed restrictions under section 144 CrPC in District Srinagar with effect from 1200 Hrs on 5th August 2019 which shall remain in force till further orders. As per the order, there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed. There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order. Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required. However, there is no curfew in place as reported in a section of media,” an official statement said.
There has been a crackdown on political activity. Leaders of all political parties such as Congress’ Usman Majid and Communist Party of India-Marxist MLA MY Tarigami have been arrested. Reportedly former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti will be under house arrest.
The security forces, strengthened with new reinforcements, have been put on high alert. Police personnel have also been deployed in full strength in trouble-prone areas along with contingents of paramilitary forces. The police in loudspeaker-mounted vehicles made announcement in some areas in the early morning.
The government had announced holiday for all educational institutions and ordered cancellation of exams scheduled on Monday. To prevent spread of rumours, mobile internet facility has been snapped across the state. Call facility on cell phones are likely to be cut soon.
All police stations, district and sector magistrates deputed on law and order duties have been provided satellite phones to maintain official communications. BSNL is offering satellite phones to mediapersons at Rs one lakh a piece to file stories from the Valley.
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