Breaking: J & K To Be Bifurcated

Home Minister Amit Shah has announced in Rajya Sabha that the government has decided to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to Jammu And Kashmir. The government has also decided to bifurcate the state into two Union territories- Jammu And Kashmir, which will have a legislature, and Ladakh will not have a legislature.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of his cabinet at his house this morning.

Article 370 gives Jammu And Kashmir its own constitution and decision-making rights for all matters barring defense, communications and foreign affairs.

Shah’s announcement was immediately followed by massive uproar in the Upper House with opposition MPs protesting in the Well of the House. Back in the Valley, three of Jammu And Kashmir's most prominent politicians- Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Sajjad Lone are under house arrest amid a massive security-built up in the state.

Internet services and mobile services have been suspended in several places and all public gatherings are banned in Srinagar district as section 144 was imposed from midnight.

BSP announces that the party supports the government’s decision on Article 370, Satish Chandra Mishra said in Parliament.