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Forces’ movement to counter heightened threat perception – Satya Pal Malik, Governor Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik today met a delegation of political leaders led by Mr Omar Abdullah.

After his meeting with the Governor, Abdullah said that they have received the assurance that Article 370 and 35A are not being repealed. He demanded that the Central Government should make its stand clear on this issue in Parliament. “In the meanwhile, we are trying to protect 35A in Supreme Court, he told media-persons.

Omar Abdullah and the delegation members apprised the Governor about the prevailing situation in the Kashmir valley after the Government Advisory asking Amarnath Yatris and tourists to return as soon as possible. They also mentioned about the panic buying by people of essential commodities.

Governor Malik informed the delegation that the security situation has developed in a manner which required immediate action. There were credible inputs that were available with the security agencies regarding the possibility of terrorist attacks on the Amarnath Yatra. There has been intensified shelling on the LOC by Pakistan which was responded to effectively by the Army. This was also underscored at the Press Conference on Friday (2 August 2019) afternoon by the Corps Commander of the Army and the DGP. Details of weapons and ammunition recovered were givenand it was pointed out that the seriousness of the threat required immediate action.

It is in this context that the government had issued an advisory asking Yatris and tourists to return as soon as possible. These are a vulnerable group of people who do not know the area and are extremely vulnerable to a terrorist attack. It is the responsibility of the state to provide security to all its citizens. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, Yatris and tourists have been asked to return. This is to ensure that no terrorist attack takes place on them.

Security to the citizens has to be provided by the State, even at some inconvenience Governor Malik pointed out adding that the state has no knowledge of any changes to constitutional provisions. Therefore, no panic should be created by unnecessarily linking this security matter with all kinds of other issues. A pure security measure is being mixed up with issues with which it has no connection. That is the cause of the panic. The Home Secretary and the Divisional Commissioner also clarified this on Friday.

The Governor has requested the political leaders to ask their supporters to maintain calm and not believe exaggerated and unfounded rumours being circulated.

The Governor had also met at short notice a delegation of political leaders, including former CM Mehbooba Mufti, Shah Faesal, Sajjad Lone and Imran Ansari on Friday.

Even this delegation had expressed concerns about the panic situation in the Kashmir valley created by the developments during the day including the advisory issued by the government asking Amarnath Yatris and tourists to return as soon as possible.

Governor Malik had informed the delegation about the serious and credible inputs pointing to the possibility of terrorist attacks on the Amarnath Yatra.

The Governor requested the political leaders to ask their supporters not to mix up matters, to maintain calm and not believe exaggerated rumours being circulated all around. The Governor himself had clarified matters on 35A on Thursday in Baramulla and a day that in Srinagar.

Govt abolishes District Development Boards in all districts

Earlier on Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir Government accorded sanction for the abolition of the District Development Boards in all the districts of the State.
Further, sanction has also been accorded for the constitution of Block Development Councils and District Planning and Development Boards respectively in the State, as per provisions of J&K Panchayati Raj Act 1989, as amended from time to time, reads the order issued by Finance Department here today.

No orders issued for closure of schools

On Friday, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, urged the people not to pay heed to rumours and rebutted reports regarding the closure of schools in Kashmir valley.

The Governor’s assurance is significant as it comes in the wake of “rumours” being fanned without any basis on social media regarding the trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into Jammu State and formation of two Union territories -Kashmir and Laddakh.