Mehbooba Mufti urges fifteen minute blackout to oppose removal of Article 370

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called for a fifteen minute lights out protest across the region to mark the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. She has asked people to switch off their lights at 9 pm on August 5 as a peaceful way to express their disagreement with the central government’s decision.

Mufti described the scrapping of Article 370 as a unilateral and unconstitutional move which stripped the region of its autonomy and special status. She claimed that this decision was taken without the consent of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called it a betrayal of the trust established at the time of accession to India.

The People’s Democratic Party leader said the blackout would send a message that the people have not accepted the abrogation silently. She also accused the government of suppressing democratic voices and using security forces to limit freedom of expression in the region.

Security has been heightened across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the date with increased deployment of personnel and restrictions in sensitive areas. Officials maintain that the steps are precautionary and intended to maintain law and order.

August 5 marks the day in 2019 when the central government revoked Article 370 and split the former state into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The move was supported by some but criticized by others who believe it has widened the gap between the region and the rest of the country.