Jammu and Kashmir would soon regain its statehood, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared in Srinagar on Thursday.
This announcement came amid continuous tensions over the disputed region's constitutional autonomy and several calls for rollback.
In protest of Modi's visit to the region, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference has called for a total shutdown in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir today (Friday).
By withdrawing Article 370 and depriving the state of its autonomy through a presidential order in August 2019, the previous BJP-led administration caused a great deal of outrage.
Indians from outside the state are prohibited by Article 370 of the Indian Constitution from relocating permanently, purchasing land, working for local governments, and being eligible for educational scholarships.
The disputed land is still one of the oldest UN Security Council issues, having been an issue of dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947.
According to an NDTV report, Modi indicated that Jammu and Kashmir would soon regain its statehood with an elected assembly when he arrived in Srinagar on Thursday evening for a two-day visit.
The state has been governed by President's Rule for almost six years, with the most recent assembly election taking place in 2014.
Modi also brought up the recent terrorist assaults in Jammu and Kashmir when he spoke at an event, reiterating India's commitment to "teaching a lesson to the enemies of peace".
"The day will soon come when Jammu and Kashmir, as a state, will create a better future for itself."
In addition, the Indian prime minister inaugurated and laid the groundwork for 84 projects in the fields of health, education, and infrastructure.
However, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference said that it rejected all of the BJP-led Hindutva government of India's anti-Kashmir objectives.
Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, a spokesman for the APHC, announced the shutdown call in Srinagar, according to Kashmir Media Service.
The purpose of the shutdown is to express opposition to India's illegitimate occupation and to reinforce the ongoing call for the settlement of the Kashmir dispute to promote peace in the region.
According to the spokesman, the strike also rejects property seizures, dismissals of Kashmiri government employees, the revocation of political rights granted to them by Articles 370 and 35A, and continuous atrocities.
The people of IIOJK have been urged by the APHC to participate in the shutdown and protest against the repressive actions of the Indian government.
