J&K: Panic in Valley after Centre sends 10,000 paramilitary forces to maintain ‘law and order’

Panic has gripped Kashmir after Minister of Home Affairs of India (MHA) ordered to send in 10,000 paramilitary personnel, allegedly, for 'counter insurgency' and for maintaining 'law and order' in the Valley.

The sense is that a ground is being prepared for arresting a fallout after possible scrapping of Article 35 A which gives the special status to state subject.

Two days after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval returned from a visit to the Valley, the Centre has decided to move 10,000 additional paramilitary troops there to address the likely fallout of the move on the ground, sources said.

During his three-day tour, Doval had held detailed discussions with senior officers of the state administration, police, paramilitary forces, army, state and Central intelligence agencies, they said.

The reactions from politicians are also worrying the local residents.

J&K politicians on Saturday hit out at the Centre for the deployment of additional companies. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti tweeted: "Centre's decision to deploy additional 10,000 troops has created fear psychosis among people. "

National Conference leader Oman Abdullah said: "The government should repose its faith in the apex court and refrain from bullying the people of J&K with rumours of scrapping Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution."

Omar Abdullah said that the bureaucrats were allegedly asking people to store rations, medicines, fuel for automobiles, etc because there was going to be uncertainty in the Valley.

According to a Times of India report, several citizens have been buying enough rations to last them for a few weeks.

Hurriyat leaders who had been willing to talk to the government came down heavy on the government following additional deployment.

"In Kashmir there is already heavy militarisation. So instead of de-militarising, the Centre has sent in more troops and don’t understand why there is a sudden movement in both North and South Kashmir," said Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.