The three most prominent leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Sajad Lone, have been put under house arrest, according to government sources. The move comes amid a massive security build-up, followed by a government advisory asking pilgrims and tourists to leave the valley immediately.
Mobile internet services have been suspended across the Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, according to police. Schools and colleges have also been shut down, while various educational institutions directed students to vacate hostels.
"I believe I'm being placed under house arrest from midnight tonight and the process has already started for other mainstream leaders. No way of knowing if this is true but if it is then I'll see all of you on the other side of whatever is in store. Allah save us," Omar Abdullah tweeted.
Sources in the Home Ministry say preparations to put Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti and People's Conference leader Sajad Lone are being taken as well. Congress leader Usman Majid and Left's MY Tarigami said they have also been arrested.
