Uneasy calm at JK Houses in Delhi, security deployment normal

An uneasy calm prevailed at two of the Jammu and Kashmir Houses in the national capital on Monday as the Centre revoked Article 370 which accorded special status to the state, even as authorities said security deployment at these establishments remained as usual.

There are two Jammu and Kashmir Houses in Delhi -- one at 5 Pritiviraj Road which houses the office of the state's Resident Commissioner; and the other on Kautilya Marg at Chanakyapuri, which has a guest house facility for dignitaries, besides a canteen that offers cuisine from the state.

There is also a Kashmir House, a heritage bungalow on Rajaji Marg in Lutyens' Delhi, adjoining which are residential staff quarters.

While the security deployment remained normal at all three houses, an uneasy calm prevailed, given the import of the day.

"Security deployment is routine, we have not received any instructions to step up the security at these Houses," a senior police official said.

At the Pritiviraj Road J&K House, a beautiful, sprawling colonial-era mansion, which was originally a residence of Bhavnagar royal family, one could feel the uneasy quietness.

A staff at this House, who did no wish to be named, said, "The security situation at the J-K House is normal, but we can feel the difference today."
Asked if he was able to speak to his family back in Srinagar, the staff said, "I have tried to call them on phone several times, but the calls are not going through. People having satellite phones are able to connect somehow."
At the J&K House in Chanakyapuri, opposite Bihar Bhawan, very few guests were seen in the afternoon, but a security staff on duty said, "The security situation at the House was all normal and as usual."
A shopkeeper next to Bihar Bhawan, who runs a food kiosk, said, "Security situation looks normal, but I am trying not to read news on my mobile phone as I an tensed."