Ministry of Home Affairs dismisses news reports of protests in Kashmir

The Ministry of Home Affairs Saturday, denied news reports of mass protests in Kashmir after the center government on August 5 decided to withdraw the special status granted to the state under Article 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution.

News agency Reuters had published a report, quoting two policemen and an eye witness, claiming police on Friday used tear gas and pellet guns to "Fight back" protesters that numbered "at least 10,000" in the valley.

Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs tweeted, "A news report originally published in Reuters and appeared in Dawn claims there was a protest involving 10000 people in Srinagar. This is completely fabricated & incorrect. There have been a few stray protests in Srinagar/Baramulla and none involved a crowd of more than 20 people."



Government has imposed Section 144 CrPC in Kashmir which does not permit a gathering of more than 4 persons. However, residents of Kashmir were allowed to offer Friday prayers in local mosques, sidelining the order for a few hours.

The Reuters report, termed 'incorrect' by the Ministry, claims the protests were held in Srinagar's Soura post Friday prayers. The report goes on to claim that protesters, including women and children, were pushed back to Aiwa bridge and some "jumped into the water".

Pakistani newspaper Dawn too carried the same news story which has been labeled as "completely fabricated" by the ministry.

Central Government on August 5 stripped Kashmir of the special status it was granted under Section 370 and Section 35(A) of the constitution of India. The move has faced both criticsm and appreciation across party lines.

According to the new Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, Jammu and Kashmir will now be divided into two new Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.