Indian Govt. to Make Jammu State, Kashmir and Ladakh UTs: Fact Check

Story:

News Flash base on sources:

Government of India to Make Jammu separate state, Kashmir and Ladakh as Union Territories Means we can’t have any political party, and will be controlled by Delhi based Governor for ever. Order will be made in next 1 week. Curfew will be imposed 2 days ahead of order. It will automatically abrogate Article 370 and 35 A.*

Fact Check:

Certain messages doing rounds on social media claim Government of India is planning to make Jammu a separate State, and Kashmir and Ladakh as Union Territories. It says the separation means Delhi based Governor will control Kashmir and Ladakh, automatically abrogating Article 370 and 35 A. The messages also claim security forces are deployed in the region and curfew shall be imposed in the pretext of the decision. So, let us examine the authenticity of these claims.

Origin of Claims about Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh

The claims in question appeared on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and free messaging service WhatsApp among others. In some cases, the alleged flash news from unnamed ‘sources’ also carried a video of CNN News 18 reporting Indian Prime Minister Modi wanting to bring Jammu and Kashmir into mainstream. It mentions the increase in number of security troops in the Kashmir valley is probably a hint of upcoming major decision on Jammu and Kashmir. In previous years also there were speculations Modi Government is planning to create three Union Territories of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh before 2019 Elections. However, it did not take place at the time.

Image of Security forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir — Security forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir

Government of India on Jammu and Kashmir Issue

The deployment of large number of security troops in Jammu and Kashmir regions from early August 2019 is in fact true. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also visited the valley. There are speculations about Central Government doing away with Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian Constitution. They give exclusive rights to Jammu and Kashmir residents and Government officials. Removal of Article 370 and Article 35A was in fact among BJP’s key poll promises in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Amidst the ongoing situation, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik advised residents not to believe in “wild rumors and fake government orders” doing rounds on social media.

Image of Home Minister Amit Shah announcing Jammu and Kashmir Bifurcation in Rajya Sabha — Home Minister Amit Shah announcing Jammu and Kashmir Bifurcation in Rajya Sabha

Late night on 4th August 2019, Government imposed Section 144 CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) in Srinagar. As a result, Government shut down mobile, broadband internet and Cable TV services in the region. Informed sources say the centre has discussed two plans for “settling the Kashmir issue for good“. On the other hand, officials either arrested or detained many state leaders in J&K. On 5th August, Home Minister Amit Shah announced in Rajya Sabha the government’s decision to repeal Article 370. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is in fact a “temporary provision” granting special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The government has also decided to bifurcate the J&K state into two Union territories. Accordingly, Jammu and Kashmir will become a Union Territory with legislature and Ladakh another Union Territory without a legislature. However, opposition members in the upper house protested against the announcement.