NEW DELHI
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is getting much better than anticipated. He said over 92 per cent areas are now free of restrictions.
Talking to a news agency in New Delhi, Mr. Doval said, out of 199 police station areas in the state, only 10 have prohibitory orders in place. He said hundred per cent landline connections are operational in the state.
Mr. Doval clarified that there is no question of atrocities by the Army, adding that they are there to fight terrorists only. He said only state Police and Central forces are handling public order.
Mr Doval said the majority of Kashmiris support the abrogation of Article 370 as they see greater opportunities, better future, economic progress and employment opportunities and only a few miscreants are opposing it.
On detention of political leaders, he said, none of them have been charged with criminal offence or sedition. He added that they are in preventive custody till environment is created for democracy to function.
The NSA asserted that everything is done according to the framework of law and the leaders can challenge their detention in court. He said there could have been problems in maintaining law and order in case there were gatherings. He said terrorists would have used the situation.
The National Security Advisor said Pakistan is trying to create trouble in J&K. He disclosed that 230 Pakistani terrorists were spotted, some of them have infiltrated whereas some others were arrested.
He said the government is determined to protect lives of Kashmiris from Pakistani terrorists even if it has to impose restrictions. He said terror is the only instrument Pakistan has to create unrest in the state.
He also informed that there are Pakistani communication towers 20 kilometres along the border and they are trying to send messages to create unrest.