Article 370: Security around religious places in Jammu heightened after govt’s decision

Security around religious institutions, Army and public establishments in Jammu was increased after the government proposed to do away with Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The bill to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into two Union Territories was passed in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

While the local administration imposed Section 144 in Jammu and ten districts, deployed over 33,000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel ahead of the government's announcement regarding Article 370, security was heightened in and around the religious instalments as Jammu is known for its temples.

Police have barricaded major link roads, parts of the National Highway, connecting Kashmir and other parts of the nation. All vehicles are being frisked and checked thoroughly. A crackdown on the traffic rule violators has also been launched in Jammu. Dozens of vehicles were challaned on Monday after provisions of Article 370 were scrapped.

Meanwhile, the imposition of Section 144 added to the woes of the people as the shops and other commercial establishments remained shut. Schools and colleges remained closed today. Locals also objected to the use of barbed wire by police to barricade the roads.

India Today TV visited Rehadi Chungi, Mandir-Masjit Point, Jiwan Chowk, and Dogra Chowk areas where the markets remained closed and wore a deserted look.

Jammu residents hoped that getting a centrally-administered territory status for Jammu and Kashmir would end the "step-motherly treatment" which, they said, was meted out to them when it came to government jobs and development of Jammu and Kashmir.