The Union Cabinet met on Monday, 5 August, amid heightened tensions in the Kashmir Valley following the suspension of the Amarnath Yatra last week and several state leaders being placed under house arrest by the Centre.
According to reports, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior to the Cabinet meet.
Shah also held a meeting with top security officials on Sunday and is believed to have discussed the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, officials told PTI.
Section 144 has been imposed in Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir Governor SP Malik had earlier dismissed speculations that the Centre might be planning to do away with Article 35A of the Constitution, which gives exclusive rights to the state's residents in government jobs and land.
Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti would not be allowed to move out of their respective house in view of the restrictions, while Congress leader Usman Majid and CPI(M) MLA MY Tarigami claimed to have been arrested around midnight.
However, no official confirmation of the arrests was immediately available.
Restrictions and night curfews were imposed in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir as the Valley remained on edge with authorities stepping up security deployment.
“There shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions (in Srinagar district) shall remain closed,” an order passed on Sunday stated.
It stated that there was a complete bar on holding any kind of public meeting or rally."Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required," the order said.
Schools and colleges in Jammu, Kishtwar, Resai, Doda and Udhampur districts were also ordered to remain close on Monday, officials told PTI.
The authorities imposed night curfew in Kishtwar and Rajouri districts and Banihal area of Ramban district, while restrictions were imposed in Jammu, Resai and Doda districts, besides Srinagar on Sunday, they said.
The authorities also imposed curfew and restrictions in Rajouri district from Sunday night and ordered closure of all educational institutes. The authorities in Jammu have also imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC in the district and banned all types of congregation, the officials said.
Mobile Internet services have been suspended in the Kashmir Valley. Satellite phones are being provided to police officials and district magistrates.
(With inputs from PTI)
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