While recent incidents of targeted killings in Jammu have led to candle-light protests, elections for panchayat are due this year. According to the MHA statement, "Due to Article 370, Gurjar-Bakarwal and Paharis could not get the benefit of reservation in education, elections, and jobs. Now, after the removal of Article 370, they will all get reservation." The statement, quoting home minister Amit Shah, noted that "there are no incidents of stone-pelting in J&K.
