There were celebrations by members of the public and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party and other organisations in different parts of the state following the Union Government’s decision on abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. In the provisional state capital Dehradun, members of various groups gathered at Clock Tower to celebrate the historical development. On the other hand, Inspector General (Law and Order) AP Anshuman said that law and order situation in Uttarakhand was normal. The police were already prepared in advance to ensure alertness after the Union cabinet meeting.
IG Anshuman said, “All district forces were ordered to stay on alert. The already existing forces were instructed to mobilise and focus on areas such as railway stations, bus stands and such places which are usually crowded. For the border areas as well the IGs and SSPs concerned were told to keep the forces on alert. There were no complaints of violence or problematic behaviour in Uttarakhand.”
According to sources, immediately after the decision local police stationed at Premnagar, Selaqui, Bhauwala and Suddhowala were instructed to keep a check on Kashmiri students studying there as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety. Dehradun Superintendent of Police (city) and Circle Officer (city) were stationed according to circle areas and were instructed to keep an eye for any such thing that can lead to law and order situation.
A local activist, Vikas Verma at Clock Tower celebrating the decision said, “This decision was on the priority list of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and soon after Amit Shah became Minister of Home Affairs he made it clear that Articles 370 and 35A will no longer prevail in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a historic decision and the first step towards India becoming a united nation.”
Activists further opined that it is high time that people who are pelting stones on Indian Army and are raising flags of terrorist groups be declared terrorists and actions should be taken against them accordingly.
Meanwhile, members of the public celebrated the development in Nainital, Pauri, Chamoli and other districts of the state.
