Govt focusses on four specific groups for maintaining calm in J&K

As government agencies begin easing restrictions step-wise in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre plans to handle four specific groups to prevent a breakout of violent protest in the Valley.

A clampdown was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on August 4, a day before both the Houses of Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organisation Bill, 2019 and adopted a resolution to scrap Article 370 and Article 35A, paving the way for bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories (UTs) -- Jammu and Kashmir with an Assembly and Ladakh sans one.

As the government is easing the clampdown, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has outlined a plan to prevent a breakout of violent protest in the Valley, according to sources. The plan includes handling of four specific groups in the valley which may incite violence.

The first among these groups are those dubbed as "movers and shakers" by government functionaries which are either members from Hurriyat Conference or key political leaders. The government has put several leaders under house arrest and detention soon after imposing curfew in the Valley. Phone and internet lines too were snapped.

Another group is members of banned outfits and terrorist organisations which are always trying to cause disturbances. The government is planning to give a free hand to the Army to maintain high security alert in the border and restrict terrorist movements. The Army will take care of the border and Line of Control and prevent entry of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in border areas. The government also plans to review border security in Punjab and Jammu.

The third section under watch is stone-throwers, the vicious part of violent protests in the Valley. These stone-throwers are mostly teenagers. A strategy of "community bonds" has been adopted where 20 family members and acquaintances have to sign a bond ensuring that these teenagers will not indulge in these activities again.

The government is also planning to put restrictions on the religious leaders, the fourth group of the people. The authorities will harshly deal with the religious leaders and arrest them immediately, if required, when they try to instigate people for violent protests.