February 23
The mass arrests in the Kashmir valley, and the additional deployment of hundred companies of Government Force personnel have prompted wide speculations on Social media.
Some prominent political commentators speculate that the government may be planning for the abrogation of Article 35A, granting special status to Jammu Kashmir.
A top Police official on condition on anonymity said, that the move is being made for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state adding that, “these additional forces will remain stationed here till the elections are over.”
He said that the Government is planning to provide them a proper training regarding the landscape and make them familiar with the situation in Jammu Kashmir. “The Government is just being cautious post the deadly Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF men were killed,” he said.
Adding the pathetic condition of the highway as another reason of their early entry into the Kashmir valley, he said, “The highway remains mostly closed mostly and we can’t take chance,” the police official.
Deployment of additional troopers during elections is a routine in Jammu Kashmir, he added.
On the possibilities of abrogation of Article 35A, he said the matter is in court, and nobody can influence the decision of the court.
The arrests have evoked widespread condemnation from many quarters of the society including from Sajad Lone and Mehbooba Mufti.