Indian government abolishes Kashmir′s autonomous status

SANAA, Aug. 5 (YPA) – The Indian government on Monday announced the abolishing of Kashmir′s autonomous status amid high tension in the region, which has been plagued by separatist insurgency.

The Radio network reported that the Hindu authorities had adopted a presidential decree abolishing the special status granted to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

The announcement was made in Parliament by Interior Minister Amit Shah.

The Indian authorities in Kashmir had earlier announced that they had imposed a ban on public gatherings in the Srinagar area and surrounding cities.

It ordered the closure of schools and universities in Jammu State until further notice, because of renewed tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the disputed territory.

According to the Indian ” Business Today”, local authorities in Kashmir have decided to impose a ban on the area, in order to prevent increased tension between the conflicting parties.

Tensions on both sides of the Kashmir border escalated 10 days ago after New Delhi deployed at least 10,000 troops in the region.

The Indian authorities in Kashmir imposed several security measures, including the call for the storage of food and fuel, because of information about terrorist threats.

India accuses Pakistan of financing militants as well as separatist groups in India’s kashmir.

Islamabad denies the Indian accusations and says it only provides diplomatic and moral support to the separatist movement.

E.M