New Delhi: It all started with the deployment of 100 companies of paramilitary forces in the Valley towards the end of July. Days later, the Amarnath Yatra was cancelled and all outsiders were asked to leave Kashmir. On Sunday night, mainstream political leaders were put under house arrest and internet and mobile communications were shut down and common people were forced indoors.While all along the speculation was along the military lines, the government confirmed on Monday morning that the motive was always political, moving to revoke Article 370, which gave special status to J&K, and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two Union Territories — J&K and Ladakh.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision in Rajya Sabha, fulfilling BJP's poll promise. While it sent a wave of jubilation among supporters, it provoked outrage from the NC and the PDP, J&K's principal parties. The decision to take away the state's special status and treat it like any other is aimed at ending the decades-old separatist movement. As Shah moved the resolution in Rajya Sabha, there were also fears that the decisions would change the state's demographic profile. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti articulated her apprehensions in a tweet.