The centre has scrapped Article 370, which grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Amit Shah told the parliament today. A bill to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories was also passed by the Rajya Sabha today, after a speech given in the house by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The moves come at a time when Jammu and Kashmir plunged into uncertainty after a massive security build-up and government advisory asking pilgrims and tourists to leave Kashmir immediately.
The state remains on edge as restrictions have been imposed in several parts, with mobile internet and landline phone connections blocked in many places. Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone - the three most prominent politicians from Jammu and Kashmir - were placed under house arrest last night.
The government has also banned large gatherings and public meetings as a precautionary measure. Schools and colleges in Jammu, Kishtwar, Resai, Doda and Udhampur districts were also ordered to remain close on Monday, the officials said.
Here are the highlights on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir over Article 370:
Union home minister Amit Shah, who announced the government's plans to end Jammu and Kashmir's statehood this morning, held out some hope in the evening that it might be restored one day, after it becomes the country's most developed area. The government is pushing through a bill to "reorganize" Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories - Ladakh without any legislature and Jammu and Kashmir with one.
In Jammu, the law and order situation was peaceful, the officials said.
Schools and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir remained closed on the orders of the authorities, they said.
Authorities imposed curfew in Kishtwar and Rajouri districts and in the Banihal area of Ramban district, while restrictions were imposed in many districts of Jammu division and Srinagar, the officials said.
The government imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC in Srinagar district with effect from Monday midnight as a precautionary measure, they said.
In the briefings, it was conveyed that the decisions were internal to India and they are aimed at providing good governance, promoting social justice and ensuring economic development in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said, according to PTI.
It was learnt that Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale briefed the envoys of the US, Britain, France, China and Russia, the five permanent members of the UNSC.
Other senior officials apprised envoys of a number of other countries about the government''s decision on Jammu and Kashmir.
In the light of interest expressed by members of the diplomatic community, senior MEA officials briefed the envoys of several countries, the sources said.
Mr Parthasarathy was quoted as saying over phone by news agency PTI, "It''s better late than never. It's a timely and appropriate decision".
On Opposition's allegation that the Centre's decision would have catastrophic consequences, the former diplomat said there are several union territories that are functioning very well.
"I really don't know how this decision would create unrest. There are several union territories which are functioning well under the central government," he said.
Arup Raha, too welcomed the move and maintained that a long standing status quo has been changed.
"I feel every part of the country should have equal rights. Nobody should have special rights. And I don't think abrogation of Article 370 should raise so much of hue and cry," the former Air Chief Marshal was quoted as saying by PTI.
On the abolition of Article 370 -- from which Jammu and Kashmir derived special status --- and the reorganization of the state into two Union Territories, the government today won support from unlikely quarters, which ensured smooth sailing of its decisions in the Rajya Sabha, where it is short of a majority.
Measures to end the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and split the state into two union territories were "a clear assault on democracy", actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said, as the government pushed the moves through parliament on Monday.
Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, had to go as it was the root of terrorism in the state and was the biggest hurdle to normalcy, Home Minister Amit Shah said today, replying to a debate on the government's move to reorganize the state and bifurcate it into two union territories.
Jammu and Kashmir's former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, who were placed under house arrest late last evening, have been formally arrested, sources said. Mehbooba Mufti has been taken from her home in Srinagar to a nearby government guest house.
On a day it fronted protests in parliament against a massive government move to scrap special status for Jammu and Kashmir by removing Article 370 of the constitution, the Congress lost a key voice, Bhubaneswar Kalita, who, as Chief Whip, was supposed to keep the flock in line.
They said top Army commanders in J&K are closely monitoring the overall security situation in the state to thwart any civil disturbances following the Centre''s decision to end special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Home Minister @AmitShah Ji's speech in the Rajya Sabha was extensive and insightful. It accurately highlighted the monumental injustices of the past and coherently presented our vision for the sisters and brothers of J&K. Do hear. https://t.co/ho7PPzyz5w
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2019
Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who was placed under house arrest late last evening, has been formally arrested, sources said. She has been taken from her home in Srinagar to a nearby government guest house.
Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, had to go as it was the root of terrorism in the state, Home Minister Amit Shah said today, replying to a debate on the government's move to reorganize the state and bifurcate it into two union territories.
"It will be good if the abolition of Article 370 and 35A brings peace in Jammu and Kashmir," HD Kumaraswamy was quoted as saying.
He also underscored the need for precautions to ensure peace in the state without giving room for any disturbances.
The bill to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories sailed through Rajya Sabha today, with several opposition parties walking out, bringing down the majority mark, and others siding with the government, which does not enjoy majority in the upper house.
Article 370 made sure democracy could never be established in Kashmir. There is poverty and corruption in the Jammu and Kashmir because of Article 370Article 370 is anti-women, anti tribal and anti dalit It is the root of terrorismArticle 370 created monopoly. Families got monopoly. There is no freedom to do business in the stateThe whole world knows Jammu and Kashmir is heaven but tourism hasn't developed as much as it should have. No businessmen can buy land to build hotels there. Big companies want to go tO Jammu and Kashmir. This will increase employment opportunities.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh directed the Punjab Police to be prepared to thwart any attempts by Pakistan to create disturbance in the state.
A meeting was held to review the law and order situation in the state in the wake of the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Pakistan may not take this lightly and could resort to some act against India," the chief minister said, asking the state police to be ready for any eventuality.
He has ordered increased security for the 8,000-odd Kashmiri students in Punjab, and directed superintendents of police and deputy commissioners to meet them and talk to them personally.
The chief minister has ordered scaling up of security in Punjab's districts that border Kashmir.
He reiterated his earlier directions to the police and the district administration to ensure smooth and safe movement of those leaving Kashmir via Punjab.
The border areas of the state have been on high alert for the past two days, since tourists and Amarnath yatris were asked to leave the Kashmir Valley, citing security concerns.
The chief minister has, meanwhile, appealed to all, within and outside Jammu and Kashmir, to remain calm and not do anything to disturb the peace and harmony of the nation in these difficult circumstances.
Among those who attended the meeting were Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, DG Punjab Police Dinkar Gupta, Home Secretary Satish Chandra and DGP (Intelligence) V K Bhawra.
"This step ensures the completion of the integration of India started by Sardar Patel," the BJP leader was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The BJP has no sense of history and geography and "destroyed" Jammu and Kashmir for more votes, Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad said today amid the tumult over the government's move to end special status for the state.
Shortly after Home Minister Amit Shah announced the scrapping of the contentious Article 370 in parliament today, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav made a dramatic statement on Twitter, posting an old photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an Article 370 event with the message: "Promise fulfilled".
Talking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said the Narendra Modi government should have taken all parties into confidence before taking any such decision.
"A country runs on consensus and all parties should have been consulted and taken into confidence. Putting leaders under house arrest or exerting pressure on people is not correct, but BJP knows how to bring institutions under its thumb. The question is what will happen to PoK now," Akhilesh Yadav was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
DMK president MK Stalin said the measures should be held back till a democratically-elected government assumed office in the state.
Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters, Mr Stalin said the Centre had gone ahead with its proposal without getting the concurrence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called it a "murder of democracy."
The DMK leader strongly condemned the bifurcation bid as an "anti-democratic" step.
"This move is seen as an attempt to divert (the) people''s attention from basic issues and is a cause for concern and shocking," Mr Stalin was quoted as saying by PTI.
"When a voice for more powers to States strongly echoed across the country, dividing an existing state into union territories showed that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government was raring to go against the path of democracy," he said.
Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the central government's decision by distributing sweets in his party office.
"Today we are fully independent and the few chains that were remaining have been broken. To dissenters, keep your politics aside and think of the sovereignty of our country," Mr Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
On being asked if he was consulted, he said we had some inkling but some things shouldn't be told openly.
"I believe this was important for the country. Government is equipped to deal with people creating trouble," he added.
Uddhav's son Aaditya Thackeray also welcomed the center's decision and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in a tweet.
"This is a moment of pride. Big congratulations to PMO India, Narendra Modi Ji, Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, the Parliament and the citizens of India. This is exactly why we supported the NDA in Lok Sabha 2019 led by Modi Ji. The decision for India and the State of J&K," Aaditya Thackeray tweeted on Monday.
"I pray that now with the reorganization of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, the citizens there will benefit with peace, progress, and prosperity, which was being held back from them for years due to its isolation from the rest of the country," he said in another tweet.
In a third tweet, Aaditya Thackeray posted a photo, where the Shiv Sena followers were seen celebrating the decision outside the party office.
Terming Kashmir as the "crown" of India, Rupani said the government's decision was a befitting tribute to Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
"I congratulate PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for taking this historic and brave decision to scrap Article 370 on Jammu and Kashmir," Rupani tweeted.
"Kashmir is the crown of India. Today is a historic day and it would be remembered as an important chapter in the golden history of India. I firmly believe that this decision is a befitting tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee," he said in another tweet.
The government on Monday abolished Article 370 that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
"What the government has done is regressive and will further alienate the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the murder of democracy," CPI general secretary D Raja was quoted as saying by PTI.
The CPI(M) termed the move an "attack" on the Constitution and said the Left parties will hold a protest against the move on Monday.
"This is an attack on the Indian Constitution by scrapping Article 370 and dismantling the state of Jammu and Kashmir. They will be led by the central leadership of these parties," the party said in a statement, according to PTI.
"The people of Kashmir had acceded to India in the face of invaders from Pakistan and a solemn commitment had been made to them by the Indian State to provide them with special status and autonomy which was embodied in Article 370 ," the CPI(M) said in a statement.
He flayed the manner in which the Centre "imposed" the decision, saying the democratic fabric of the nation has been "ripped apart" with this "unprecedented violation of the Constitutional norms".
"It is a dark day for the Indian democracy," Amarinder said, adding that the Constitution of India has been rewritten without following any legal provisions. This will set a bad precedent as it would mean that the Centre could reorganise any state in the country by simply imposing President''s rule," the chief minister said in a statement, reported news agency PTI.
Telugu Desam Party supports the Union Govt as it seeks to repeal Article 370. I pray for the peace and prosperity of the people of J&K.#Article370
- N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 5, 2019
Mumbai: Shiv Sena workers distribute sweets after resolution revoking Article 370 from J&K was moved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha today. pic.twitter.com/zDEgDkVqLx
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019
The BJP has no sense of history and geography and "destroyed" Jammu and Kashmir for more votes, Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad said today amid the tumult over the government's move to end special status for the state. Read here
Today's decision violates all the principles invoked by Vajpayee: insaniyat, jamhuriat, kashmiriyat.
- Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) August 5, 2019
This unconstitutional move plays into the hands of separatists and Pak sponsored terrorists, besides reneging on the idea of India and the promise to the people of Kashmir.
At least 8,000 paramilitary troops have been airlifted to Jammu and Kashmir from different parts of the country today after the centre announced it would scrap Article 370 from the state. Readhere.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah in a statement today said that the centre's "unilateral and shocking decisions today are a total betrayal of the trust that the people of Jammu & Kashmir". "This is an aggression against people of the State as had been warned by an all-parties meeting in Srinagar yesterday,"he said, attacking the government.
In a series of tweets, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley praised the centre's move to scrap Article 370 and said that "historical wrong has been undone today".
My complements to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for correcting a historical blunder.
- Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) August 5, 2019
Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj cheered the government's move to scrap Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "Bold and historic decision," she tweeted soon after Amit Shah's announcement in Rajya Sabha.
बहुत साहसिक और ऐतिहासिक निर्णय. श्रेष्ठ भारत - एक भारत का अभिनन्दन.
- Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 5, 2019
A bold and historic decision. We salute our Great India - one India.
I pray that now with the reorganisation of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, the citizens there will benefit with peace, progress and prosperity, which was being held back from them for years due to its isolation from the rest of the country.
- Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) August 5, 2019
#ModiSarkar @narendramodi @AmitShah correcting a historic blunder #Kashmir
- Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 5, 2019
🇮🇳CONGRATULATIONS INDIA🇮🇳#EkBharatShreshtBharat #KashmirParFinalFight
What a glorious day. Finally d martyrdom of thousands starting with Dr Shyam Prasad Mukharjee for compete integration of J&K into Indian Union is being honoured and d seven decade old demand of d entire nation being realised in front of our eyes; in our life time.Ever imagined?🙏
- Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) August 5, 2019
PDP leader Mehhbooba Mufti, who was placed on house arrest last night, said that scrapping of Article 370 will have "catastrophic consequences". "Today marks the darkest day in Indian democracy," she said as she reacted to Amit Shah's announcement on Article 370.
It will have catastrophic consequences for the subcontinent. GOIs intentions are clear. They want the territory of J&K by terrorising it's people. India has failed Kashmir in keeping its promises.
- Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 5, 2019
Ladakh to get status of Union Territory without Legislature. Existing state of Jammu and Kashmir a separate Union Territory.
Watch live: Home Minister Amit Shah's statement in Rajya Sabha on #JammuAndKashmir
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2019
Updates here: https://t.co/svgemejk33 https://t.co/g2F8H2IobA
Ghulam Nabi Azad,Congress in Rajya Sabha: Entire valley is under curfew, political leaders including three former chief ministers are under house arrest. There is a war like situation in the state, so this should be discussed on priority pic.twitter.com/pX2mbRKjV5
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019
Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives at the Parliament; Union Home Minister Amit Shah to speak in Rajya Sabha shortly. pic.twitter.com/QMcfQUgUBO
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019
#WATCH Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/yzx4P6u8pv
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019
The DMK, which has 37 members in the Lok Sabha and five members in Rajya Sabha, has voiced concern on turmoil in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. "There is no reason for the central government to create an impression of big threat in Jammu and Kashimir. We will oppose the government. We will stand by the Congress," party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member TKS Elangovan told IANS.
Ahead of Amit Shah's address in parliament, opposition leaders including Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad and Trinamool Congress's Derek O'Brien met this morning.
Home Minister Amit Shah reaches parliament. He is expected to make a statement in Rajya Sabha at 11 am and in Lok Sabha at noon.
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2019
Read more here: https://t.co/svgemejk33
(Photo: ANI) pic.twitter.com/9ipL0vo7Wk
Businessman Anand Mahindra reacted to the turmoil in J&K and tweeted: "Can only pray for the safety of everyone there".
Cannot pretend this is just another Monday morning. The entire country is waiting to exhale over Kashmir. Can only pray for the safety of everyone there & for an outcome that makes the nation stronger & the future more positive.
- anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 5, 2019
#Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah leaves from 7 Lok Kalyan Marg after the Union Cabinet meeting concludes. pic.twitter.com/fg6Y0VQHdL
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019
Jammu and Kashmir: Latest visuals from various parts of Srinagar where section 144 CrPC has been imposed from midnight 5th August. pic.twitter.com/bFOeHnwh4O
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting the cabinet.
Home Minister Amit Shah is meeting PM Modi ahead of the cabinet meeting and the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting.
One of the most important panels, the Cabinet Committee on Security, includes the Prime Minister, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, will also meet today.
Jammu & Kashmir: Security tightened in Srinagar in view of the imposition of section 144 CrPC from midnight 5th August. pic.twitter.com/qErNGidUDi
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019
Schools are re-opening today in Ladakh region after the summer vacations. Classes will resume normally in colleges and other educational institutions too. Restrictions under Section 144 have not been imposed in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik held a late-night meeting with top officials.
Many political leaders, including Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and Communist Party of India-Marxist chief Sitaram Yechury, came out in support of the Jammu and Kashmir leaders who have been placed under house arrest. "You are not alone Omar Abdullah. Every Indian democrat will stand with the decent mainstream leaders in Kashmir as you face up to whatever the government has in store for our country. Parliament is still in session and our voices will not be stilled," Mr Tharoor tweeted late last night.
The Union Cabinet is scheduled to meet at 9:30 am at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has condemned the house arrest of Jammu and Kashmir politicians Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone. "The house arrest of J&K leaders is a signal that the government will defy all democratic norms and principles to achieve its objects. I condemn the house arrests," he tweeted.
With mobile internet and landlines cut, Key administrative officials and top security officials in Jammu and Kashmir have been given satellite phones to keep in touch with the centre about the law and order situation in the state.