Resolution revoking Article 370 from Jammu & Kashmir passed in Lok Sabha

In a historic move, the Modi-led BJP government redrew the map of Jammu and Kashmir by bifurcating it into two Union territories. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Kashmir to review the ground situation and has said that locals are happy with the move. Doval has sent a report to the Home Ministry, in which he said, "There is peace and normalcy in J&K and it had been event free. No agitation. People also moving about for essential work."

Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba in also in Jammu and Kashmir to oversee the security measures.

The resolution to revoke Article 370, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has been moved in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, August 6, by Home Minister Amit Shah. The BJP government has a clear majority in the Lower House of the Parliament. The Jammu and Kashmir reorganisation bill was passed with a two-thirds majority in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

However, before announcing the big move, the Centre had rushed an additional 38,000 troops to the Valley. Another batch of 8,000 security personnel was sent yesterday after the announcement was made.

Kashmir is under lockdown and top political leaders - Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti - were arrested after the two resolutions cleared Rajya Sabha.

Taking to Twitter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "Kashmir's mainstream political leaders have been jailed at secret locations. This is unconstitutional and undemocratic. It's also short sighted and foolish because it will allow terrorists to fill the leadership vaccum created by GOI. The imprisoned leaders must be released."

In an embarrassment for the Congress, its MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury enquired if Kasmir was an internal matter since the UN has been monitoring the situation since 1948. "You (government) say that it is an internal matter. But it is being monitored since 1948 by the UN. Is that an internal matter? We signed the Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration. Was that an internal matter or bilateral?" Chowdhury asked.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she has no information about Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. "I appeal to the government that they should not feel isolated. They are not terrorists. They should be released in the interest of the democratic institutions," the West Bengal CM said.

In Lok Sabha, BJP MP Pralhad Joshi asked, "When the country is celebrating, Congress is speaking in the voice of Pakistan. Pakistan govt official statement said it's a dark day. Congress leaders have stated it's a dark day. What does it mean? Pakistan says it's a dark day and you're joining them?"

After the TMC MPs, now the JDU members walk out of the Lok Sabha in protest against the government. Earlier, TMC's Sudip Bandhyopadhyay questioned the arrests of Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Ahdullah. The TMC MP said, "If we take part in the voting [of the Bill], whether we vote in favour or against, we'll become party to it. So, we will walk out."

General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh chaired a meeting of the Core Group of intelligence and security agencies at Srinagar on Tuesday to review the operational readiness. Singh said, "Necessary security arrangements put in place to ensuring peace and security."

Addressing in Lok Sabha, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asked whether J&K is still an internal matter? Chowdhury said, "J&K is being monitored by the UN since 1948. Is that an internal matter? We signed the Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration, was that an internal matter or bilateral?

Welcoming the move, Congress MLA from Raebareli Sadar said, "It will help in integrating J&K into the mainstream. It's a historic decision. It should not be politicised. As an MLA, in my capacity, I welcome this decision."

A massive ruckus broke out in Pakistan Parliament after Prime Minister Imran Khan skipped the joint session to hold a discussion on Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian Army has foiled a major infiltration bid in Macchal Sector of Jammu and Kashmir at 2:30 am on Tuesday. At least 5-6 terrorists have reportedly infiltrated into the Indian territory.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is largely peaceful, confirms J&K DGP Dilbag Singh. Speaking to India Today, Dilbag Singh said, "There is zero violence in Kashmir. Any report of violence in the Valley is incorrect. Situation in south, north and central Kashmir is completely peaceful."