Politics

Indian troop buildup creates fear and panic in Kashmir

August 3, 2019

Matrix Report

After deploying 10,000 troops in Indian-administered Kashmir last week, the Modi government has ordered the deployment of another 28,000 troops, creating fear and panic in the valley. The panic was further aggravated after the Indian government issued an advisory asking tourists and Hindu pilgrims “to curtail their stay” in the disputed territory.

Politicians and journalists took to twitter to express their concerns over the Indian government’s decision. Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Yousaf, while commenting on the situation, wrote:

“As the holy month of Zil Hajj begins & Eid approaching, situation developing after the advisory to Amarnath Yatris/tourists in Kashmir (is) extremely concerning. Govt. should speak up. Appeal People to take courage and not panic. If there is something as in past we will face it collectively”.

As the holy month of ZilHajj begins &Eid approaching,situation developing after the advisory to Amarnath Yatris/tourists in Kashmir extremely concerning.Govt should speak up.Appeal People to take courage and not panic.If there is something as in past we will face it collectively.
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) August 2, 2019

There were other reactions on the situation as well.

Déjà Vu!
Night of 2/8/2019 bears an uncanny resemblance to one of 19/1/1990 when mass exodus of #KashmiriPandits was arranged by govt then in power.Just like KPs then were,tourists&yatris are being now moved to India for safety

3 decades of massacre&mayhem followed in Kashmir1/n
— Shazia Nazir Bakshi شازیہ (@Shazia) August 3, 2019

If there's a terror threat to Amarnath Yatra, why are tourists in Gulmarg and in houseboats in Srinagar being asked to leave? And if even these places aren't safe, what about security of local Kashmiris? Or do they not matter to this govt?
— Aditya Menon (@AdityaMenon22) August 3, 2019

India's Congress party expresses concern over widespread fear and apprehension among the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the BJP government's intentions of abolishing #Article35A and #Article370 pic.twitter.com/Ktj1HCUqsf
— Lord Nazir Ahmed (@nazir_lord) August 3, 2019

I cannot remember a time (please correct me if I am wrong) in 25 years of reporting from Jammu and Kashmir that the Amarnath Yatra was called off. Even after the horrific terror attack on it two years ago in 2017 it continued unabated. There's more here than we know so far
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) August 3, 2019

Minutes after Srinagar Corps Commander and J&K Police chief tell media that militant leadership in Kashmir is decimated and all threats can be handled… govt cancels an ongoing Amarnath Yatra (FIRST TIME EVER) and tells tourists to leave Kashmir. A smoke screen? For what? 1/2
— Ajai Shukla (@ajaishukla) August 2, 2019

Will be taking a delegation of @JKNC_ colleagues to meet Governor Malik at 12 noon today #Kashmir
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 3, 2019

People of Pak stand with People of Kashmir, India should face the reality instead of putting people in danger as Jalib said “ Mohabbat ka seena Golion Se boo Rahay ho, Watan ka chehra Kho’n se dho rahay ho, Gumaan tum ko k Rasta kut raha hai, Yaqeen mujh ko Manzil Kho rahay ho” https://t.co/DQZ544Uery
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) August 3, 2019

Massive troop deployments in IO Kashmir. Elite forces also moving in. What is Delhi trying to do? Kashmiri leadership in the valley alerting the world to danger. Rumors of 35A and trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in the air. Islamabad needs to respond. Now.
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) August 3, 2019

Indian PM ⁦@narendramodi⁩ must avoid any adventure in Jammu & Kashmir his violent policy will create more violence he is pushing South Asia towards a dangerous situation unfortunately world leaders like ⁦⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ r looking helpless https://t.co/JxyQLguzN8
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) August 3, 2019

SRTC Busses on campus to evacuate non-local students from NIT campus.

And still you call it miscommunication @listenshahid #KashmirUnderThreat #KashmirTroopBoost pic.twitter.com/QYbxag61Nk
— haamid1️⃣8️⃣ (@aechIvee) August 3, 2019

Live from Dal lake: Tourists leave Srinagar on 03 August 2019. The government has issued an advisory asking Amarnath yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in Kashmir in view of “threats” from militants.#KashmirUnderThreat #KashmirTroopBoost pic.twitter.com/jsn9y66iIe
— Umaisar Gull (اُمیسر گُل) (@Umaisar_Gull) August 3, 2019

"Today's advisory asking tourist and yatris to return home has scared people. I have never in my life seen so much fear",said Former Jammu and Kashmir CM and #PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in a press conference at her Srinagar residence pic.twitter.com/Yfxj3DJeyy
— Azaan Javaid (@AzaanJavaid) August 2, 2019