Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 4
Authorities in India’s Jammu and Kashmir have denied permission for all political protests on Aug. 5 and stepped up security across the region ahead of the seventh anniversary of the revocation of its special constitutional status, police said on Tuesday.
Police said no political party or organisation had been granted permission to hold demonstrations and warned that anyone violating the restrictions would face legal action.
“No permission has been granted to any political party or organisation for holding protests or demonstrations on August 5. Any violation of the directions shall invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law,” a senior police officer told Reuters.
The restrictions come after the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) announced plans to stage protests at their party headquarters and district offices to mark the anniversary of the August 5, 2019, constitutional changes.
Police said district administrations had been instructed to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain law and order across J&K.
Authorities appealed to residents to avoid participating in unauthorised protests and cooperate with security agencies.
Security has been intensified across Kashmir and parts of the Jammu region, with additional deployments of police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security personnel at sensitive locations.
Vehicle checks, frisking operations and surveillance around government buildings, key installations and district headquarters have also been stepped up.
Senior police officials said Quick Reaction Teams had been deployed and additional checkpoints established in major towns and cities as part of precautionary measures.
Police said preventive security arrangements had been put in place to ensure that public life remained normal while maintaining law and order ahead of the anniversary.
