Kashmir remains calm on sixth anniversary of Article 370 abrogation despite wave of speculations
Amid intense political speculation over statehood, daily life in the Valley continues undisturbed
Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley remained calm on Tuesday, the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, IANS reported. Despite a surge of rumours circulating on social media and messaging platforms, the day passed without incident.
According to IANS, WhatsApp groups were abuzz with speculation, ranging from the possible restoration of statehood to fears of a further bifurcation of the Union Territory. Yet, daily life in Kashmir remained largely unaffected: school buses operated, shops opened on time, public transport ran as usual, and office-goers reported to work after a typical breakfast.
Rumour mills, often more active than verified news sources in the region, spun rapidly following high-level meetings in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call on the President and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meetings with top officials on the eve of August 5 added to the speculation.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, saying he would “stick his neck out” to say nothing untoward would happen, though he acknowledged that “nothing good” was expected either.
While some voices, including National Conference supporters, suggested that a bill to restore J&K’s statehood would be tabled in Parliament, others warned of a possible redivision of the UT, with Jammu potentially regaining statehood and the Valley remaining a Union Territory without a legislature.
Amid the confusion, self-styled Kashmir analysts and on-ground commentators called for restraint, warning that any rushed political move could unsettle the fragile calm and deepen public alienation.
IANS reported that the uncertainty led to practical concerns among citizens. Many began stocking food and medicines, while wealthier residents rushed to fill up their vehicle fuel tanks. In Kashmir, even an official denial is sometimes seen as lending credibility to the rumour it seeks to refute.
Authorities imposed limited preventive house arrests in certain areas to maintain law and order, but there were no major disruptions. By all accounts, IANS noted, the Valley functioned like any regular weekday.
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4 held for sexually assaulting woman, girl on moving bus after social media alert in UP's Agra
Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.
Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.
Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.
The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.
