Ahead of crucial cabinet meet in Delhi valley witnesses clamp down, leaders house detained, mobile & landline facilities snapped

Srinagar/Aug,5: Ahead of the crucial cabinet meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the current crisis in Jammu and Kashmir the Kashmir Valley witnessing unprecedented deployments in almost all the areas continues to remain on the edge as restrictions have been imposed in several areas, with mobile internet and landline phone connections being blocked on many places. Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone – the three most prominent politicians from Jammu and Kashmir – were placed under house arrest last night. The government has also banned large gatherings and public meetings as a precautionary measure. Schools and colleges in Jammu, Kishtwar, Resai, Doda and Udhampur districts were also ordered to remain close on Monday, the officials said. The moves come at a time when the state has plunged into uncertainty amid a massive security build-up and government advisory asking pilgrims and tourists to leave Kashmir immediately. The developments have triggered intense speculation about plans to modify the special status granted to the state under the constitution – a highly emotive issue linked to the rights of its residents.