New Delhi, August 5: After Union Minister Amit Shah proposed to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, a high alert has been sounded in the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in its order on Monday, also asked all states and union territories to ensure the safety of residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Law enforcement agencies have been asked to be on their toes.

The Home Ministry ordered Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police (DGPs) of all state/UTs and Commissioner of Police of Delhi that immediate instruction may be issued to security forces and law enforcement agencies in all states to put them on maximum alert. "It is requested to take special care to ensure the safety and security of residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the students in various parts of the country," read the order. Jammu and Kashmir Loses Privileges Under Article 370, Article 35A: What Does it Mean For Kashmiris and Other Indians?.

Kashmiri students were targetted in various parts of the country after the February 14 Pulwama attack which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans. Earlier today, Amit Shah moved a resolution in Rajya Sabha seeking the abolishment of Article 370 and said the state will be split into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir with an Assembly and Ladakh without one. "I am presenting the resolution to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir except the first clause 370 (1)," Shah said amid the uproar. Jammu and Kashmir Order 2019: Read Full Text of Modi Government's Notification on Article 370 And Article 35A.

The ruling BJP had made scrapping Article 370 an election pledge. President Ram Nath Kovind also passed an order removing Article 35A. On Sunday night, the Jammu and Kashmir government imposed restrictions in Srinagar district under Section 144 of the CrPC and placed the top leadership of the state, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, under house arrest.

Internet services were shut down in several parts of the Valley and educational institutions were ordered closed. Earlier, tourists were asked to leave Jammu and Kashmir while the Amarnath Yatra was curtailed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2019 02:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).