J&K Governor NN Vohra holds all-party review meet in Srinagar
J&K Governor NN Vohra, who is currently presiding over the state, is holding an all-party meeting in Srinagar. He has also placed the legislative assembly in suspended animation till Governor's Rule is revoked. The meeting was planned to discuss the situation in J&K, which plunged into central rule two days ago. Vohra's term ends June 25, but he's expected to continue until further orders.
Three-year BJP-PDP alliance breaks up after disagreements
Governor's Rule was imposed after BJP pulled out of its alliance with PDP on June 19. CM Mehbooba Mufti resigned. The decision was taken "keeping in mind India's integrity and security," party leaders said: among its many failures, PDP had apparently been unable to check terrorism. Citing Shujaat Bukhari's murder, BJP leaders said, "Fundamental rights including right to life and speech are in danger."
President approves Governor's Rule in J&K
The next morning, President Ram Nath Kovind approved Governor's Rule in J&K. A 1959-batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre, Vohra is seen as the best shot in the state. Former CM Omar Abdullah also batted for him. Governor Vohra has presided over the state in the past as well. He was the governor in 2008, 2014 and 2016 too, when central rule was imposed.
The Valley has witnessed rise in violence in recent times
One primary cause of rift between the allies was ceasefire declared during Ramzan. During May 16-June 17, as the government maintained ceasefire, terrorist-violence reached a record high: there were 20 grenade attacks, 50 terror strikes and 41 deaths . Though the Home Ministry had said it would take a "long-term view" on ceasefire, it called it off after a month, much to PDP's displeasure.
Forces clamp down hard to prevent violence by separatists
In the meantime, top separatist leaders like Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chief Yasin Malik and moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called for a statewide shutdown yesterday, in protest against alleged killing of civilians in firing by security forces and Bukhari's murder. Such protests generally tend to turn violent, but to maintain calm, Malik and Farooq were rounded up by police.
