Normalcy challenge in Kashmir: Curbs to ease, phones may buzz

TNN Bureau. Updated: 8/17/2019 11:55:42 AM

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam today indicated that the state administration was taking the normalcy challenge by gradually easing out security restrictions and restoring limited communication facilities beginning Saturday while schools could be opened by Monday.

Meanwhile, the National Secrity Advisor Ajit Doval, who was camping in Kashmir since August 6, has returned to the national capital after 11-days of constant supervision of the situation arising out of scrap of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

Most phone lines in the Valley will be gradually restored over the weekend and schools will reopen area-wise next week, BVR Subrahmanyam said while announcing the easing of restrictions in a phased and "orderly way".

He said there has been no loss of life or major injury since restrictions were imposed on August 5, when Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 was revoked and the state bifurcated into two union territories.

"...There will be easing of restrictions in the next few days in an orderly way," Subrahmanyam told reporters here, adding that steps would be taken keeping in view the evolving situation as well as the cooperation of the people in maintaining calm and peace.

"Schools will be opened after the weekend area-wise so that children's studies do not suffer," he said.

Asked about the restoration of telephone lines, he said, "You will see gradual restoration from tonight and tomorrow onwards. You will find a lot of Srinagar functioning tomorrow morning. BSNL takes a couple of hours to get back to action. Exchange by exchange they will be switching it on. Over the weekend, you will have most of these lines functional."

Twelve districts in Jammu and Kashmir out of 22 were functioning normally while there was limited night-time restrictions only in five districts.

"After today's Friday prayers, immediate reports suggest that things have gone off quite peacefully right throughout the state," he said.

Earlier in the morning in the national capital, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the Supreme Court that people should trust the security forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and authorities are taking stock of situation on day-to-day basis.

The chief secretary said the government had taken steps to ensure there was no shortage of essentials and medicines during the period of restrictions. The free movement of Hajj pilgrims was also ensured.

The government's approach, he stressed, was guided by the conviction that all-round development was the most credible solution to address separatist sentiments propagated by vested interests.

"Among the groups that are well-known for sponsoring violence and carrying out such attacks are Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen,etc. Their record has been recognised by governments worldwide and by international organisations, including the UN," he said.

Meanwhile NSA Ajit Doval on Friday returned to Delhi after spending 11 days in Kashmir Valley to ensure smooth implementation of plans after the withdrawal of special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

During his stay in the city, he also toured downtown areas, including the sensitive Eidgah locality, which is notorious for incidents of stone pelting at security forces.

The NSA also ensured smooth coordination between all arms of security forces in J-K and gelling them with available intelligence inputs for smooth operations in the hinterland as well as along the line of control.

On August 5, the government announced the decision to abrogate special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution, and dividing the state into two Union Territories.

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