Situation in summer capital Srinagar on Sunday witnessed chaotic scenes at petrol pumps, food stores and ATMs as there seems to be no clarity from both the state and the central government on what is afoot in Kashmir.
Apprehending deterioration in the law and order situation, people were seen lining up at departmental stores in the city and elsewhere to stock up dry ration and essentials. Petrol pumps also witnessed a huge rush of customers.
On Friday, citing the latest intelligence inputs of the terror threats in the Kashmir Valley, the J&K administration issued a security advisory for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and the tourists in the Valley and advised them to leave Kashmir as soon as possible.
The order led to panic in Kashmir which has remained tense for the past few days after the Centre ordered the deployment of 100 companies of additional troops in the valley.
Reacting to the security advisory, Mehbooba Mufti also asked the Central government if is it only concerned about the safety of the Amarnath yatris and not the Kashmiri locals who, she said, “have been left to their own devices”.
“Complete chaos on the streets of Srinagar. People rushing to ATMs, petrol pumps & stocking up on essential supplies. Is GOI only concerned about the safety of yatris while Kashmiris have been left to their own devices?” Mehbooba Mufti had tweeted.
On Sunday the situation at petrol pumps as chaotic as locals were in a rush to fill their vehicles with fuel in view of impending detiorarating situation.
Some locals, while talking to the media said that they are tense about the situation as the government is not clear about what’s happening.
In view of the ongoing deteriorating situation, an all party meet lead by Srinagar parliamentarian and National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah was held on Sunday evening, where different party leaders discussed ways to tackle the situation.
The members have decided that “all the parties would be United in their resolve to be protected and defend identity, autonomy and the special status of the JK against all attacks and onslaughts whatsoever.”
Meanwhile, scores of students at NIT Srinagar on Sunday packed their bags and were rushing to Srinagar airport to leave from the valley after the advisory issued by the NIT authorities.
Talking to media, Jammu South’s Sub-divisional Magistrate Srikant Balasaheeb Suse said around 300 students from NIT Srinagar have left by express trains.
The NIT issued the notice for suspension of classes on Friday evening and said the notice was issued in accordance with the instructions received from the Srinagar district administration.