With no untoward incident reported from anywhere in the region, the situation across Jammu and Kashmir UT remained composed and peaceful following the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 on Monday , police officials said.
A senior official at the Police Department told Rising Kashmir that the situation was peaceful and under control across the Kashmir division.
“No untoward incident was reported anywhere from the valley and the day was peaceful following tight security arrangements,” the official said.
He said during the morning hours, security forces were deployed at many places in the valley including business hub Lal Chowk to maintain law and order. The official said special checkpoints were set up in and around Srinagar city and random frisking and checking of vehicles and people was done to thwart any misconduct. He clarified that there was no restriction on the movement of people anywhere in the valley.
“As a precautionary measure, we had barred the movement of vehicles escorting or carrying VIPs and protected persons in “troublesome areas”,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the police spokesman also refuted rumors circulating on social media, asserting that there are no orders to effect any arrests, particularly related to court proceedings on Article 370.
“It is to clarify that police have no orders to effect any kind of arrest, and certainly not connected with court proceedings including on article 370 by the apex court,” he said.
The spokesman said that there were no restrictions on any movement. Examinations by different public bodies are being held as scheduled, businesses ventures are open and transport is plying smoothly.
“Normal life continues at its usual pace and police, though alert about attempts of the handful always eager to disrupt peace, have no intention or instructions to curtail the freedom of movement and activities,” he said.
The police spokesman urged people to go about their lives and not get hassled or intimidated by social media posts contrary to this.
The cyber police had also issued special advisory to social media users urging them to use the platforms responsibly and refrain from sharing rumours, fake news, hate speeches or obscene, violent and defamatory content.
Authorities had set up a control room to monitor and keep an eye on social media platforms to curb the fake news, propaganda content and attempts to disturb peace, which they said will be dealt with stern action.
A police officer at Cyber police Kashmir said from the past 7-8 days, they have been monitoring social media platforms and several people have been detained in this regard.
“Moreover post SC Verdict on Article 370, the situation remained under the control and some social media handles from neighbouring countries were engaged in propaganda content on Article 370,” he said.
The official said that they have issued an advisory urging social media users in the region to exercise responsibility aimed at discouraging spread of rumors, fake news, hate speech, and inappropriate content.
He said that social media users are cautioned not to indulge in propagation of terrorist and secessionist ideology and false narrative.
“Circulation of any incriminatory content received from other users without verifying the actual facts may be avoided and on noticing/receiving any such information, instead of sharing with others, immediately inform Cyber Police Kashmir. Stay informed, be responsible,” he said.