Saturday (October 12): Restrictions on movement of people have been lifted in “over 99 per cent” areas of Jammu and Kashmir, state government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said today.
Speaking to reporters, he asserted that the curbs were necessary to prevent “externally-aided terrorists” from disturbing peace in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of the state’s special status under Article 370 in August.
He also said the cases of those who were detained, including political leaders, were being reviewed by the government for their release.
Kansal said there was a gradual lifting of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir since August 16 and most curbs were lifted by the first week of September.
“Barring eight to ten police stations, movement restrictions have now been completely removed. Over 99 per cent of the areas of Jammu and Kashmir have absolutely no movement restrictions,” he said.
He said tourists are welcome to visit the state and the government would facilitate their visit.
Most of the top-level and second-rung separatist politicians were taken into preventive custody while mainstream leaders, including two former chief ministers — Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, were either detained or placed under house arrest on the night of August 4.
On August 5, the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and announced its decision to bifurcate the state into two Union Territories.
Meanwhile, normal life remained affected in Kashmir for the 69th consecutive day on Saturday as main markets continued to be shut and public transport stayed off the roads, officials said.
Few vendors set up stalls on the TRC Chowk-Lal Chowk road here.
Private transport was plying unhindered in Srinagar and other districts across the valley, the officials said.
Students continued to stay away from schools and colleges, they said.
The Kashmir valley has been witnessing continuous shutdown since August 5.
