Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced the government’s decision to repeal Article 370, which gives Jammu and Kashmir special status, setting off an uproar in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress, the DMK and several other opposition parties had filed adjournment notices seeking answers from the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the crisis in the state.

Reactions in Parliament

Vaiko warned that Kashmir should not be allowed to become another Kosovo or South Sudan, while the Aam Aadmi Party supported the government’s move.

Leaders detained, Valley on edge

The announcement came after three of the state’s best-known politicians were placed under house arrest late on Sunday night as security was stepped up sharply: Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone. Mobile and internet services were cut in several areas, and section 144 was imposed in Srinagar district from midnight, banning all public gatherings.

On Sunday evening, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah tweeted that he had been told an “unofficial curfew” was about to start and that mainstream leaders would be detained. Earlier that day, leaders of mainstream parties had met in Srinagar to discuss the situation.

More personnel were posted around key sites, among them the civil secretariat, the airport and police headquarters. Barricades went up on main roads, including entry and exit points to Srinagar, and riot control vehicles were kept ready. Additional paramilitary forces were deployed across the city, and several educational institutions asked students to vacate hostels.

Since Friday, when the administration curtailed the Amarnath Yatra and told pilgrims and tourists to leave, residents had been queuing at shops and fuel stations. Irfan Pathan, the former India all-rounder, mentor to the state’s cricket teams, left Srinagar with young players after trials for the U-16 and U-19 squads were postponed.

Pakistan’s response

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said the time was right for US President Donald Trump to step in as a mediator on Kashmir. Pakistan also warned that it was ready to answer any “misadventure or aggression” by Indian forces after a meeting of its National Security Committee.

What happened next

Parliament ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 on 5-6 August 2019, and the state was reorganised into two union territories.

Originally published on 5 August 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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