Srinagar/Jammu, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Security arrangements were strengthened across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday as authorities remained on alert amid protest calls issued by the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
Despite the calls for demonstrations, normal life continued across the Union Territory, with government offices, banks, schools, colleges and universities functioning as usual, according to a senior police officer.
“Transport, shops and other business establishments started working as usual. There is no report of any untoward incident so far from anywhere in J&K,” the officer said.
Additional security measures were put in place, particularly in Srinagar, as authorities sought to prevent any disruption to law and order. Extra personnel were deployed around sensitive locations, including Lal Chowk, which has historically witnessed political protests.
Roads leading to the headquarters of the NC and PDP were sealed, while police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were stationed around the party offices as a precautionary measure.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah marked the day by posting on X, recalling the changes made after August 5, 2019. He said his party remained committed to reversing what it described as decisions that affected the rights and identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“7 years, we haven’t forgotten & we haven’t reconciled far less accepted our current circumstances,” Abdullah posted, reiterating his party’s position on the issue.
Meanwhile, PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti led a candlelight vigil and sit-in outside her party headquarters on Tuesday night, demanding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
While the National Conference has been primarily seeking restoration of statehood, the PDP has continued to demand reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A along with statehood.
The PDP has opposed the demand for restoration of statehood alone, arguing that such a move would amount to acceptance of the 2019 decision that ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status.
On August 5, 2019, Parliament approved the government’s decision to make Article 370 inoperative and reorganise the erstwhile state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
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