Saturday (September 7): National Security Advisor (NSA) Mr. Ajit Doval today said that abrogation of special status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is welcomed by most of the Kashmiris. He ridiculed the allegations of atrocities by Indian Army personnel in the state and asserted that the Army was in the region only to fight terrorists.
“In the removal of Article 370, announced on August 5, they [Kashmiris] see greater opportunities, a better future, more jobs for youths. There is a vocal minority that opposes it. It appears to people that that is the voice of the people. That is not necessarily true.” said Doval.
NSA further mentioned, “Article 370 “was not a special status. It was special discrimination. With its abrogation, we have brought Kashmiris at par with Indians.”
He referred to intercepted messages from Pakistan and said, “There are Pakistani communication towers 20 km along border, they are trying to send messages. We heard intercepts…they were telling their men here ‘how so many apple trucks are moving, can’t you stop them? Should we send you bangles?’”
About the tense situation in the valley he clarified, “Landline connections are fully operational in the state and restrictions eased. Restrictions have anyway been eased progressively, and only 10 of the 199 police districts in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh now still have prohibitory orders, while land-line telephones have been restored fully in all three areas.”
About the detention of political leaders in the state, Mr. Doval said, “None of them have been charged with criminal offence or sedition. Everything is done according to the framework of law, they can challenge their detention in Court. They are in preventive custody till environment is created for democracy to function, which I believe may happen soon.”
“If anybody is interested in restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir it is India, we will not allow people to become victims of Pakistan’s machinations and its bullets sent across the border. We will do everything in power to protect the people,” he added.
The meeting was also attended by Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Arvind Kumar and RAW chief Samant Goel, among other senior officials.
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