Kashmir Turmoil Live Updates: Government to Abolish Articles 370 and 35A, J&K and Ladakh to be Separate Union Territories

Home Minister, Amit Shah has recently announced in Rajya Sabha that the government has decided to repeal Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a ruckus in both houses.

The government has also decided to separate the state into two Union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, which will have a legislature, and Ladakh, which will be without a legislature. 

Several opposition parties, including the Congress, JDU and DMK vehemently opposed the decision which immediately followed by a massive uproar in the Upper House with opposition MPs protesting in the Well of the House.  

The opposition had given adjournment notices demanding answers from the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the political turmoil in the state. 

Adding more fuel to the crisis, three of Jammu and Kashmir's most prominent politicians — Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, and Sajjad Lone are under house arrest amid a massive security-built up in the state.

Internet services and mobile services have been suspended in most of the places and all public gatherings are banned in Srinagar district as section 144 was imposed from midnight.  

There will be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed as per order.  

After the Jammu and Kashmir administration imposed a restriction on Amarnath Yatra and asked pilgrims and tourists to leave the Valley at the earliest on Friday, anxious residents continue to throng markets to stock on essentials and serpentine queues have been visible outside shops and fuel stations. 

However, the lower house passed Jammu and Kashmir reservation (second amendment) Bill which promises that all the residents of the state with income below Rs 8 Lakh per annum would benefit from a 10 percent quota.  

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is currently under house arrest slammed the move with a tweet, 

“Today marks the darkest day in Indian democracy. The decision of J&K leadership to reject 2 nation theory in 1947 & align with India has backfired. Unilateral decision of GOI to scrap Article 370 is illegal & unconstitutional which will make India an occupational force in J&K.” 

On the other hand, BJP's Ram Madhav said on Twitter:

"What a glorious day. Finally, d martyrdom of thousands starting with Dr. Shyam Prasad Mukharjee for compete for the integration of J&K into Indian Union is being honored and d seven-decade-old demand of d entire nation being realized in front of our eyes; in our lifetime. Ever imagined?" 

Prominent Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad also slammed the move and said, "BJP is making a mockery of the Constitution." 

Author Chetan Bhagat also expressed his concern over the issue and tweeted,

 "Anyone using the removal of #Article370 as an excuse to disturb the peace and instigate violence is an enemy of the state. Let the country be run peacefully. Do not do anything you will regret.  #OneCountryOneSystem." 

Close to 8,000 paramilitary troops airlifted and moved to Kashmir valley from Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and other parts of the country. Troop’s induction is still going on.