Two-day curfew has been imposed in Srinagar ahead of the first anniversary of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370. Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said in an order that the curfew will come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in effect on August 4 and August 5.
The order claimed that violent protests had been planned against the abrogation of the Constitutional provision that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir was stripped on its special status on August 5, 2019, as parliament abrogated Article 370 and 35A. The state was split into two Union Territories.
The DM order said that Pakistan-sponsored and separatist groups were planning to observe August 5 as “Black Day”. “There are specific inputs about violent protests endangering public life and property,” the order said.
It added that the lockdown in Srinagar district imposed to limit the spread of the coronavirus will remain in force till August 8, “unless revised earlier”.
The order said that people will, however, be allowed to travel for medical emergencies. Medical staff working in facilities to fight the coronavirus disease will be permitted to travel, provided they have a valid pass.