Security forces intensify vigil in J&K ahead of SC verdict on Article 370

The Cyber Police Kashmir on December 10 issued a fresh advisory “to use social media platforms responsibly and refrain from sharing rumours, fake news, hate speech or obscene, violent and defamatory content”.

Jammu and Kashmir remains under a tight security cover ahead of the final verdict of the Supreme Court on the Centre’s move to dilute Article 370, ending the seven decades of special status, and split the erstwhile State into two Union Territories (UTs) of J&K and Ladakh in 2019.

The administration on Sunday evening deputed 29 civil officials as magistrates in the Srinagar city, “following a communication received from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar,” an official communique said. Security agencies apprehend there could be attempts to disturb law and order in Kashmir.

Several security agencies, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Army, have been alerted and directed to avoid convoy movements on Monday. The security forces, who accompany special protectees, were asked to avoid any movement in sensitive or volatile localities.

Meanwhile, the footprint of the security forces has been increased in Kashmir to carry out frisking and searches of vehicles “to ensure no bid is made to disturb the law and order”.

The police also stepped-up monitoring of content posted online. Several netizens faced legal actions in the past few days for their posts. The Cyber Police Kashmir on Sunday issued a fresh advisory “to use social media platforms responsibly and refrain from sharing rumours, fake news, hate speech or obscene, violent and defamatory content”.

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It warned against indulging in “propagation of terrorist and secessionist ideology and false narrative”.