Srinagar, J&K – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Wednesday that the abrogation of Article 370 has not resulted in a decrease in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah emphasized the need for accountability from those in charge of security, highlighting that bloodshed continues despite earlier assurances.
"We want this cycle (of violence) to stop," Abdullah told reporters in Kulgam district. He noted the region's extensive history of violence over the past 30-35 years, stating, "We were told that this will not happen now and this cycle will end after 2019. But, it has not".
The central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019, reorganizing the erstwhile state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Abdullah stressed that the responsibility for the ongoing violence rests with those overseeing security in the region. "You will have to ask those responsible for our security as to why it (violence) has not ended. That responsibility does not lie in our hands," he said. He pointed to the continuing incidents of violence in various locations as evidence of persistent security concerns.
Abdullah's remarks follow recent blasts in Delhi and Srinagar that resulted in civilian casualties, further raising concerns about the security situation in the region. Intelligence inputs suggest that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is planning attacks in the Kashmir Valley. An advisory has been issued to the J&K police and civil administration to maintain high vigilance across the Union Territory. Security officials have been instructed to treat vehicles with "maximum suspicion" at checkpoints.
The UK government advises against all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, excluding air travel to and from Jammu city and travel within Jammu city. There have been frequent terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, with a continuing threat towards Indian government targets, civilians, tourists, and foreign nationals. A heavy security presence remains in the Kashmir Valley. The U.S. State Department advises against traveling to Jammu and Kashmir due to potential terrorist incidents and violent public unrest. Tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are considered particularly risky for foreigners.
Altaf Thakur, a BJP spokesperson, has accused certain political leaders of attempting to glorify terrorists and mislead Kashmir's youth. He criticized leaders who defend terrorists responsible for killing innocent people and those who object to strict anti-terror operations. Thakur asserted that opposing action against terrorist houses indirectly protects terrorism and sends a "poisonous message" to vulnerable children. He also claimed that these political families prioritize their own interests over the suffering of ordinary people.
