Paramilitary soldiers patrolling in downtown area of Srinagar. (TOI photo)

SRINAGAR: The Centre's decision to deploy 100 more companies of paramilitary forces in J&K has fuelled rumourmongering about 'impending' abrogation of Articles 35A and 370, and spread panic among people. These two Articles of the Constitution give special status to the state.

"I've asked my husband to bring rice and other foodstuff for maximum period to avoid any shortage," said Fatima, a homemaker. Her husband Manzor Ahmad said rumours had been doing the rounds that the Centre was planning to revoke the Articles. "I am worried about the education of my children because it will get affected if the Centre repeals the Articles as it will lead to a major law and order situation," said Sajjad Ahmad Dar of Peerbagh here. Similar apprehensions were expressed by Musarat Shakeel of Batamallo, who also fear paralysis of life in the Valley.

Deployment of troops has created fear: Mehbooba

The whole Valley echoed with rumours of abrogation of Article 35A and it will definitely lead to a major breakdown of normal life," Dr Musarat said. Abdul Majid of Bhagat in Srinagar said: "Nationalist elements would be targeted by mobs in the event the Articles are tinkered with."

Although additional director general (ADG) of police (law and order) Munir Khan on Saturday appealed to the people not to lend credence to such rumours, the appeal seemed to have little impact on residents.

Denying any motive behind the fresh deployment, CRPF IG Ravideep Sahi said, "Induction (of forces) is a continuous process and as and when the need is felt to strengthen the law and order grid, and also on anti-militancy front, more forces are inducted. In the past, we also had induction of troops. It is routine and nothing special in it."

Meanwhile, J&K politicians on Saturday hit out at the Centre for the deployment of additional companies. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti tweeted: "Centre's decision to deploy additional 10,000 troops has created fear psychosis among people. "

Ex-CM, Omar Abdullah said: "The government should repose its faith in the apex court and refrain from bullying the people of J&K with rumours of scrapping Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution."



In Video: Centre approves deployment of additional 10,000 troops in J&K