Jammu and Kashmir news Live updates: Article 370 scrapped, J-K now a union territory

Changing Kashmir status within India's rights: Experts

Scrapping of special status for Jammu and Kashmir and splitting the state into two are entirely an internal matter and within India's sovereign rights, and Pakistan's approaching the UN or any world power will not be of any relevance, said experts on Monday. Pakistan has strongly condemned the move and rejected India's announcement on the status of Jammu and Kashmir and said it will "exercise all possible options to counter it".

Kashmir's mainstream politicians, including two former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti and Sajjad Lone, were placed under house arrest at midnight. After the government's move to revoke Article 370, the big worry now is that street protests could erupt in the Valley triggering a fresh wave of unrest against the decision even though there is huge deployment of security forces across J&K. How the government is going to deal with the aftermath and arrest a possible law and order problem remains the main question now.

In the last fortnight, people in Kashmir frantically stocked up supplies and medicines fearing the worst. All this while there was no clarity from the government which triggered uncertainty and anxiety among the people. But on Sunday night, there was a massive security lockdown in Kashmir. The administration passed orders restricting the movement of people while telephone lines, internet and cable TV were also shut.

The sudden calling off of the pilgrimage fuelled speculation of a possible government clamp down. The order also created panic among Kashmiris who sensed that the government of India might be preparing for a big move which would also mean the scrapping of the special status enjoyed by the state.