NSA Ajit Doval briefs Amit Shah on Kashmir situation
Arriving in Delhi after reviewing the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the North Block and briefed him about the prevailing conditions in the region. The NSA was in J&K for nearly 10 days after restrictions were imposed in the region following the bifurcation of the state.
Reportedly, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Intelligence Bureau Chief Arvind Kumar and other top officials were also present during the meeting with Shah and Doval. The meeting reviewed steps taken to preserve law and order in the region and addressed issues with the restrictions imposed in various parts, an official stated. Some major decisions were taken during the meeting to restore normalcy, ANI reported.
The meeting was followed by NSA Doval's 10-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to monitor the prevailing situation after the Centre abrogated Article 370, splitting the stated into the two new union territories of J&K and Ladakh. Doval oversaw security arrangements in J&K and interacted with Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF jawans and locals in Shopian, Anantnag and downtown Srinagar.
Restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir as the Centre abrogated Article 370, revoking the state's special status. Communication lines were snapped, Section 144 of CrPC was imposed banning large gatherings, and hundreds of local politicians including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were detained, along with heavy military deployment as "preventive measures" because the government anticipated unrest in the valley.
There have been conflicting reports about protests in the region following the abrogation of Article 370. While several international news platforms claim that the lockdown spurred violent protests, the Home Ministry maintained that there were only stray protests in J&K.
However, restrictions are being gradually lifted in some regions. Nearly 190 schools and all government offices were opened in Srinagar on Monday. According to reports, officials claim that two-thirds landlines were restored in Kashmir valley. However, internet services remained suspended. Furthermore, the detained politicians also remain in custody. Meanwhile, six petitions appealing the removal of lockdown are pending in the Supreme Court.
