Revocation of Art 370: Celebrations at several places in Haryana, Punjab

The Centre's decision to revoke Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir was welcomed by people of Haryana and Punjab on Monday who marked the occasion by distributing sweets at several places.

A group of students, while holding the national flag and chanting slogans of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Matram', called the Centre's move a freedom for people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Only a strong government could have taken such a decision, which was pending for over 70 years...it is freedom for people of Jammu and Kashmir in real sense," a student said.

"It's the beginning of new India. The biggest mistake by the then prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru was rectified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi...it's the biggest decision," said Aryan, a student of the Panjab University here.

At several places in Haryana, including Sirsa, Karnal, Ambala, Rohtak, and Fatehabad, people distributed sweets to mark the occasion.

Punjab BJP senior leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina welcomed the move of scrapping Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, calling it a "bold decision of the bold government".

The Centre, he said, has taken the right decision in the right direction as the common people have suffered a lot in Kashmir and they look forward to the new beginning now.

He said the unity and integrity of the country is paramount and the initiative indicates government's resolve to establish peace and tranquillity in Kashmir.

Chhina said Article 370 had alienated Jammu and Kashmir from the rest of the country for long, but now the region will be governed by the laws applicable to other citizens of the country.

"The BJP has always taken decisions in the public interest and for the country's unity and integrity. The decision is in this direction too and will make the country strong," he said.

However,Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Bholath MLA and president of the Punjab Ekta Party (PEP), flayed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre for ending special status given to Jammu and Kashmir by the Constitution.

Khaira said it was a "historic blunder" committed by the BJP by "snatching" special status of Kashmir that was accorded under an agreement between Raja Hari Singh, the then emperor of Kashmir state and the government of India.

He said the BJP government's decision to revoke two important sections of Article 370 of the Indian constitution and erasing Section 35A was "unconstitutional, undemocratic and a dictatorial act".

Meanwhile, Chandigarh's top police brass led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Omvir Singh Bishnoi on Monday held a meeting over the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir with the representatives of Kashmiri students and residents who are studying in various educational institutions in Chandigarh and residing in the city, police said.

The senior police officers of Chandigarh police assured the representatives of Kashmiri students and residents their safety and to provide the required adequate police protection and security, police said.

Mobile phone numbers of all the station police officials and the Chandigarh Police Control, have been provided to the representatives of Kashmiri students or residents for making direct calls incase of any emergency situation, police said.

All the police officials have been directed to ensure safety and security of all the Kashmiri students or residents in their respective jurisdictions and initiate immediate legal action against the violators to avoid any untoward incident and maintain law and order in the city, police said.

All the Beat Staff has been sensitised to enhance their patrolling in their respective beats or areas, to provide safety and protection to the Kashmiris in the city, they said.