On Monday, authorities halted the Amarnath Yatra, a key pilgrimage from Jammu to Kashmir, for one day as a precautionary measure coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
They did not provide specific reasons for the suspension but indicated it was a security precaution.
While a group of 1,112 pilgrims had departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Sunday in two secured convoys, movement was paused on Monday, preventing the departure of additional yatris.
The suspension is likely to be related to heightened security concerns on the anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation.
On 5 August 2019, Parliament repealed Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The move also resulted in the bifurcation of the state into two union territories Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019 aimed to standardize laws across the region, including reforms such as granting ST status to Gujjars/Bakarwals and SC status to Paharis and Gaddi Brahmins, as well as providing land and voting rights to Safai Karamcharis and West Pakistan refugees.
The anniversary has sparked varied reactions across the political spectrum.
The BJP is commemorating the event as Ekatma Mahotsav, celebrating the integration of J&K into the rest of India.
In contrast, Congress has labeled 5 August as a black day in J&K’s history.
The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, and the DPAP, led by Ghulam Nabi Azad, have announced plans to protest the bifurcation and the denial of statehood to the former state.
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