Security measures have been tightened considerably in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
Security forces have been directed to suspend convoy movements for the day to ensure heightened vigilance and safety. In a directive issued to all security agencies, the police have declared August 5 a "dry day" for convoy movements.
Additionally, this directive includes halting the movement of Amarnath pilgrims between various base camps.
Officials said, “The ongoing Amarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended on Monday as a precautionary measure on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.”
This decision means no new batches of pilgrims will travel from Jammu to Kashmir for the day.
So far this year, over 490,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an elevation of 3,880 metres.
The suspension is part of heightened security measures in the city for the anniversary. However, road clearance for Amarnath Yatra routes and the national highway will continue with active deployment to ensure safety.
On August 5, 2019, the Central government revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The government also enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, splitting the former state into the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
While many political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have criticised the revocation, the BJP plans to celebrate the day with various events across the union territory. The abrogation of Article 370 has long been a key promise of the BJP.
The advisory for the anniversary has been issued due to concerns about potential terror attacks.
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