Narendra Modi Speech on Article 370 Kashmir updates: PM assures early Assembly election, says J&K will be free of terrorism under new system

Governor’s advisors visit Rajouri, Poonch

Advisors to the governor, K Vijay Kumar, KK Sharma and Farooq Khan visited Rajouri and Poonch and held a series of meetings with civil society members.

Advisors to J&K Governor, K Vijay Kumar, K.K.Sharma and Farooq Khan visited Rajouri and Poonch and held a series of meetings with civil society members pic.twitter.com/6siioXAlf2

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019

Modi said Jammu and Kashmir’s UT status was temporary, but offered no timeline

Narendra Modi, during his address to the nation, said that Jammu and Kashmir won’t be a Union Territory for a long time, hinting that the statehood will be brought back once “good governance” returns. However, he didn’t give a timeline for it.

On Tuesday, when the Lok Sabha was debating on the scrapping of Article 370 and the bifurcation bill, Home Minister Amit Shah had also said that the statehood will be returned when the situation in the region becomes “normal”. When the Opposition Congress asked the government to define “normal”, Shah took a dig at Congress and said he was sure it won’t take 70 years.

Modi remembers contributions of Aurangzeb, Rukhsana

“Rajouri’s Rukhsana Kausar killed a terrorist and was felicitated. Rifleman Aurangzeb was killed by terrorists last year and his brothers are now serving the nation. the list of such daughters and sons is really long. Each of them wanted peaceful Jammu and Kashmir. We have to fulfill their dreams,” he said.

Ladakh has potential to become biggest centre of spiritual tourism

On Ladakh being made a Union Territory, Narendra Modi said, “Ladakh has the potential to become the biggest centre of spiritual tourism, adventure tourism and ecotourism. It can also become a major centre of solar power generation. Now there will be a proper use of its potential.”

Modi assures officials will help people celebrate Eid peacefully

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the country ahead of Eid and said, “We are making sure that people in Jammu and Kashmir have no problem in celebrating Eid. Those from Jammu and Kashmir who live elsewhere and want to return to their homes to celebrate the festival, will be helped in it by us.”

Assembly elections soon, says Modi

“As the Panchayat elections were conducted with transparency, the Assembly elections would also be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir soon,” said Narendra Modi during his address to the nation.

Many in J&K people couldn’t vote for decades or contest local polls: Modi

Narendra Modi stressed on the importance ensuring the people of Jammu and Kashmir get to exercise their voting rights. He said, “For decades, lakhs of people in Jammu and Kashmir had the right to vote in Lok Sabha polls but they could neither vote nor contest in Assembly/local polls. These are those who came to India after partition in 1947. Should injustice have continued with them?”

Modi says Centre will prioritise giving equal facilties to Jammu and Kashmir employees 

Narendra Modi said, “In the new system, it will be the priority of the Central government that the employees of Jammu and Kashmir and its police force get equal facilities with the employees of the other Union Territories and the police there.”

WATCH | Narendra Modi’s address to the nation after scrapping of Article 370

Modi speaks of Jammu and Kashmir becoming biggest tourist hub

“Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have the potential to be the biggest tourist hubs of the world. There was a time when Kashmir was the favorite destination of Bollywood filmmakers, I am confident that in future even international films will be shot there,” Narendra Modi said.

J&K will have CM elected by its people, says Modi

Narendra Modi asserted that the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will have leaders, including chief ministers, chosen by the people. “I want to make it clear, your representative will be elected by you, your representative will come from amongst you… I have complete faith, under this new system, we all will be able to free Jammu and Kashmir of terrorism and separatism,” he said.

Modi praises Governor’s Rule

Narendra Modi said that the decision to keep Jammu and Kashmir directly under Central administration for a brief period was a well thought over decision.

He claimed, “Since the time Governor’s Rule has been in place, the administration has been in touch with the Central government. This is why good governance and development has been visible on ground.”

Article 370, 35A only encouraged terrorism, corruption: Modi

Narendra Modi claimed that there was never any discussion on how Article 370 was adversely affecting the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. “It is surprising, no one was able to really tell how did the Article benefit the people. Article 370 and Article 35A have only encouraged terrorism, sluggish development, family-based politics and corruption in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Narendra Modi begins his address to nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the scrapping of Article 370. “New era has begun in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The country has taken a historic decsion. The dreams of many of our leaders have been fulfilled. Earlier, 1.5 crore residents of Jammu and Kashmir couldn’t avail the benefits under the laws that were applicable to the entire nation,” he said.

National Security Council official says he is optimistic that restrictions will be removed ‘in few days’

National Security Council additional secretary SM Sahai said, “I am optimistic the restrictions (in Jammu and Kashmir would be removed in a few days.”

70 terrorists, pro-Pakistan separatists shifted to Agra

ANI quoted sources as saying, “Around 70 terrorists and hardcore pro-Pakistan separatists from Kashmir have been shifted to Agra. The terrorists and separatists were shifted in a special plane provided by the Indian Air Force.”

Samjhauta Express departs from Attari to Lahore; reports had earlier said services were suspended

The Samjhauta Express has departed from Attari for Lahore; 103 passengers, including 10 Pakistanis are on board, PTI has quoted railways officials as saying. Earlier, there were reports that Pakistan has suspended the Samjhauta Express services due to bilateral tensions over Kashmir.

Hamid Karzai slams Pakistan over statements linking Kashmir to Afghanistan

In strongly-worded comments, former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai lashed out at Pakistan and askd it to “stop using extremist violence as instrument of policy in the region.”

He said on Twitter, “Comments in Pakistan linking peace in Afghanistan to their objectives in Kashmir are indicative of Pakistan viewing Afghanistan as strategic depth. I call on Pakistan govt to stop using extremist violence as instrument of policy in the region. We hope the new measures by govt of India will lead to the betterment and prosperity of people in Jammu and Kashmir as the citizens of India.”

Comments in Pakistan linking peace in Afghanistan to their objectives in Kashmir are indicative of Pakistan viewing Afghanistan as strategic depth. I call on Pakistan govt to stop using extremist violence as instrument of policy in the region. We hope the new measures by govt...

— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) August 8, 2019

Time will tell if peace prevails in Jammu and Kashmir: Kamal Nath on Article 370

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said only time will tell whether the Modi government’s move of scrapping Article 370 will establish peace and bring down terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. 

He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Madhya Pradesh government’s guest house named ‘Madhyalok’ at Vashi in Navi Mumbai.

“Only time will tell how many employment opportunities are generated and whether acts of terrorism come down in Jammu and Kashmir after the removal of Article 370…that is the biggest question before us,” he said.

PTI

School, colleges in Samba to reopen from Saturday 

A government statement said that as per the order by Samba district administration, all the educational institutions should reopen from 9 August.

J&K directs govt employees to resume duties, says administration has made arrangements for secure working environment

The Jammu and Kashmir government has said in a statement, “As per directions issued by chief secretary, all government employees who are working at divisional level, district level and those serving in Srinagar civil secretariat, should report back to their duties with immediate effect. It is further intimated that necessary arrangements regarding smooth and secure working environment for the employees have been made by the administration.”

Kashmir on agenda of UNSC as ‘disputed territory’: Pakistan

Pakistan on Thursday said that Kashmir has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council as a “disputed territory” as it rejected India’s contention that Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter.

“Pakistan rejects the unilateral action by India to change the status of Jammu and Kashmir,” Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said while addressing the weekly media briefing in Islamabad.

Faisal said Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to utilise all options after revocation of Article 370 by India. “No unilateral step by the Indian government can change this internationally-accepted disputed area as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolution nor will this ever be acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and of Pakistan,” Faisal said.

PTI

Pakistan says it’s not planning military action against India

Pakistan’s foreign minister said Islamabad is not considering any military actions and instead is looking at political and legal options to challenge India’s changes to Kashmir’s status.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi made the remarks Thursday at a press conference in Islamabad. He said he will soon travel to China to inform Beijing about the situation after India downgraded the special status of Kashmir. 

AP

Yechury writes to Satya Pal Malik ahead of Srinagar visit

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury wrote to Governor Satya Pal Malik ahead of his Srinagar visit. ““The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has an active unit in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and it had a MLA Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami in the dissolved Assembly. As the general secretary of a national party, I wish to visit Tarigami (who I was informed, is not keeping good health) and other members of my party. I propose to reach Srinagar on the 9 August morning to meet them. I hope the administration will not create any hurdles in discharging my responsibilities as a leader of my party,” he said in the letter.

Earlier, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was stopped at Srinagar airport and made to go back to Delhi.

Pakistan airspace remains open for Indian flights: CAA

Pakistan on Thursday clarified that it has neither closed its airspace for India nor re-routed any route for the Indian flights. “There has been no change to the notice to airmen (NOTAM) and all flights are being operated as per schedule issued earlier,” Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Mujtaba Baig said. 

“Pakistan has neither closed its airspace for India nor re-routed or closed down any route for the Indian flights,” he said.

Responding to a question about re-routing of a few routes as reported by the media, he said: “Not a single route has been re-routed after the latest tension between the two countries.”

PTI

People for whom Article 370 was implemented aren’t aware of developments: Bhupesh Baghel

Reacting to the revocation of Article 370, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said, “The way it was implemented, had they taken everyone into confidence, it would have been different. Now, the people for whom it was implemented aren’t aware of it. Asking question is a crime now, so I don’t want to say anything.”

High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria en route India

India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria is on his way to India. According to India Today, he is expected to cross over from Wagah border in an hour.

Bipin Rawat briefs Rajnath Singh on developments in Jammu and Kashmir

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on developments in Jammu and Kashmir and on India-Pakistan border. “Overall, the situation is under control and the armed forces are in a state of high alert and closely monitoring the situation,” the ministry said.

The Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat briefed Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh today on developments in Jammu &Kashmir and on Indo-Pak border. Overall the situation is under control and the Armed forces are in a state of high alert and closely monitoring the situation.

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 8, 2019

Visuals from Attari railway station

Punjab: Samjhauta Express arrives from Pakistan, at Attari railway station. Railway crew & guard from India had gone with a train engine to Pakistan today after receiving a message from them that their driver & crew had refused to come to India. pic.twitter.com/spoDnYfiqQ

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019

Indian crew brings back Samjhauta Express from Wagah

Indian officials have brought back the Samjhauta Express — carrying 110 passengers — from Wagah to Attari, after the train was stranded at the Wagah border following Pakistan’s suspension of the service.

Jitender Singh hits out at Ghulam Nabi Azad over ‘anybody can be bought’ remark

MoS PMO Jitendra Singh lashed out at  Ghulam Nabi Azad for his “anybody can be bought” comment after NSA Ajit Doval’s interaction with Kashmiri locals. Singh said, “To say something like this would amount to questioning integrity of Kashmiris. Let’s not forget resolution to abrogate Article370 was passed by both Houses.”

Pakistan bans Indian films from being screened in country’s cinemas

Reuters quoted a Pakistani government spokesperson as saying that the country has banned Indian films from being screened in their movie theatres.

The announcement is confusing as, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry had declared a total ban on Indian films.

Special trains allotted from Udhampur, Jammu in view of Eid

Srinagar district magistrate tweeted that special train/coaches from Udhampur and Jammu have been allotted in view of large number of workers including those going home on Eid. He also said that more than 300 vehicles have been pressed to facilitate the movement of all students from Kashmir districts, Jammu, and Ladakh and outside state.

Facilitate students’ return to their homes for Eid: Satya Pal Malik

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik on Thursday issued directions to officials to facilitate return of outside students to their states who wish to go to their homes for Eid.

The governor has also sanctioned Rs 1 lakh each to designated liaison officers for organising Eid festivities for Jammu and Kashmir students who are studying in other states and are unable to come to their homes on the occasion, Raj Bhawan spokesman said. 

He passed the directions for setting up telephone lines in deputy commissioners’ offices for such students to talk to their families back home. These directions were issued by the governor at a high-level meeting of officials to review security, and provision of basic services and essential commodities to people in the Union Territory.

PTI

Samjhauta Express in Wagah side has 110 passengers, will bring it to Attari: Northern Railways

Speaking on the Samjhauta Express, Northern Railways spokesperson Deepak Kumar said, “The train is standing in the Wagah side and has around 110 passengers… We’ll bring the train from Wagah to Attari. Seventy passengers are waiting here to travel to Pakistan. So, to say that the train has been cancelled is not right.”

Deepak Kumar, CPRO, Northern Railways: Samjhauta Express plies between Lahore & Attari which is still continuing. Pakistan authorities had raised issues regarding security of the train's crew & guard. We have told them that situation this side is perfectly normal. pic.twitter.com/eKUBWACjTM

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019

Indian officials reach Wagah border to tow back Samjhauta Express

Three Indian officials have reached the Wagah side at the Attari-Wagah border in Pakistan to take the Samjhauta Express back, CNN-News18 reported. The train was stranded at Wagah shortly after Pakistan announced suspension of the service. India had dispatched an engine with crew and guard to bring it back from the border checkpost.

Ghulam Nabi Azad to be sent back from Srinagar to Delhi via Vistara Airlines flight

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was earlier stopped at Srinagar airport, will be sent back from Srinagar to Delhi via a Vistara Airlines flight.

Governor Satya Pal Malik reviews security situation in J&K; allows special arrangements for Eid

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Thursday took stock of the law and order situation in the state. In a meeting held in Srinagar, Malik reviewed arrangements for enabling people to perform Friday prayers and for the celebration of Eid-ul-Azha in the coming week, PTI reported. The Governor also said that special markets will be set up at different locations in the Valley where people can buy animals on the occasion of Eid.

Pakistan blacks out Indian movies to protest abrogation of Article 370

“No Indian movie to be screened in Pakistani cinemas,” says Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister on I&B according to Geo English.

Narendra Modi’s address to nation to be televised at 8 pm; communication channels remain snapped in Valley

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation will be a television broadcast and will be played out at 8 PM. https://t.co/QtwKLfnOCX

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019

While under detention, Mehbooba Mufti manages to send SMS; tells 2 PDP MPs to quit Rajya Sabha

While she was still under detention at the Hari Niwas guest house, former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday managed to send out a message to two of her MPs in Delhi. She asked the two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Parliament to resign from the Rajya Sabha.

Youth drowned trying to escape security forces, says family

“The family of a 17-year-old youth, Osaib Altaf, alleged that he died after he jumped into the Jhelum river when he was being chased by security personnel in Srinagar. The incident occurred on Monday. Altaf’s family said he had gone out to play with his friends. On their way home in the afternoon, Altaf, the youngest of four siblings, and his friends were on a footbridge over the river, when they were chased “by paramilitary personnel from both sides” of the bridge, his family said. The boys jumped into the river. Twenty minutes later, Altaf’s body was fished out,”  The Indian Express reported_._

Jammu and Kashmir state administration sets up 2 helplines as state’s telecomm channels reain snapped

Development Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Shahid Chaudhary: DC Office has established 2 helplines 9419028242, 9419028251. Residents/students outside the state can contact. Families back home are also using these lines to reach out.

Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express over Article 370; India calls out Islamabad’s ‘alarmist’ bid

Adding on to it’s slew of decisions taken to protest against India’s move to abrogate Article 370, Pakistan has now suspended the Samjhauta Express. Earlier, Pakistan had downgraded the diplomatic ties and suspended the cross-border trade.

Work on Kartarpur corridor won’t stop, says Pakistan 

Pakistan has said that the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir will not have any impact on the construction of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. “Work on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will be continued,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, said

‘India, Pakistan must ensure progress of Kartarpur Corridor is not affected’: Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said both India and Pakistan must take adequate measures to ensure the progress of Kartarpur Corridor is not affected. “Kashmir is our internal matter and Pakistan’s decision to downgrade diplomatic ties is a knee-jerk reaction. Both countries must take adequate steps to ensure that the progress of Kartarpur Corridor isn’t jeopardized in light of Pakistan government’s decision to downgrade diplomatic relations with India,” he tweeted.

Ghulam Nabi Azad to return to New Delhi after being stopped at Srinagar airport

Won’t wish neighbour like Pakistan for anyone, says Rajnath Singh 

Slamming India’s belliguered neighbour Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that while friends can be chosen by a nation, it is impossible to do the same for foes.“The most significant threat that we receive is from our neighbour. The problem is you can change your friends, but you can choose your enemies and the kind of neighbour we have, I wouldn’t wish it for anyone else.”

Blanket condemnation of govt move on Article 370 not right, move has several positives as well: Karan Singh

Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh on Thursday said he does not agree with a blanket condemnation of the government’s move on Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out what he called were its several positives. 

Singh, son of former J&K ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, welcomed the union territory status for Ladakh and said political dialogue must continue in Kashmir to help resolve the issue. The Congress leader said he supported the abrogation of provisions of Article 35A as the issue of gender-discrimination needed to be addressed.  He, however, said two main political parties of Jammu and Kashmir — the Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference — should not be termed “anti-national”.

Maharaja Hari Singh’s son welcomes bifurcation of Ladakh, says concerned about welfare of all sections of society 

Dr Karan Singh, son of Maharaja Hari Singh, welcomed Ladakh’s emergence as a Union Territory. “Gender discrimination in Article 35A needed to be addressed, but my sole concern is welfare of all sections and regions of Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh said. 

Kashmir latest update: Ghulam Nabi Azad stopped at Srinagar Airport

Congress MP and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad along with Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Gulam Ahmed Mir have been stopped at Srinagar Airport.

‘Article 370 our internal matter’; India tells Pakistan

Stating that abrogation of Article 370 was completely a sovreign decision, the MEA said, “Recent decisions by the government and Parliament of India are driven by a commitment to extend to Jammu and Kashmir opportunities for development that were earlier denied by a temporary provision in the Constitution. ts impact would also result in the removal of gender and socio-economic discrimination. It is also expected to result in an upswing of economic activity and improvement in the livelihood prospects of all people of the state.”

India asks Pakistan to reconsider downgrading of diplomatic ties, says move only to create an alarmist picture of bilateral toes 

India on Thursday asked Pakistan to reconsider its decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with New Delhi.  MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “The intention behind these measures is obviously to present an alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties. The reasons cited by Pakistan are not supported by facts on the ground.”

Kashmir being run like a concentration camp, says Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury 

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “Prime Minister had announced from Red Fort that we’ll take Kashmiris forward not with bullets but by embracing them,but today situation in Kashmir is similar to that of a concentration camp. No mobile/internet connection, no Amarnath pilgrimage,what’s happening there?”

Restrictions in Kashmir may be relaxed for people to participate Eid-ul-Zuha

The Centre may give some relaxation to the people in the Kashmir Valley, where restrictions have been imposed, so that they can participate in Eid-ul-Zuha on August 12, officials said on Wednesday. However, it is immediately not clear whether the relaxation will be given fully or partially.

The restrictions were imposed before the government’s move to abrogate provisions of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcation of the state into union territories.  The government is trying to work out plans for some relaxation in the restrictions imposed in the Kashmir Valley so that people can take part in Eid-ul-Zuha, an official said.

BJP’s Ram Madhav slams Ghulam Nabi Azad for comment on Doval’s outreach to Kashmiris

Slamming Ghulam Nabi Azad for his “anybody can be bought” comment after NSA Ajit Doval’s interaction with Kashmiri locals, Madhav said “Is he saying Jyotiraditya Scindia has been bought? Is he suggesting that we have bought all Congress leaders who spoke in favour of revoking 370? Leaders like Azad is the problem that Jammu and Kashmir faces.”

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai expresses concern over Kashmir 

Recalling that the people in Valley have been living in a strife-torn area for several decades, Malala said that it was important that all parties respect basic human rights of Kashmiris. 

The people of Kashmir have lived in conflict since I was a child, since my mother and father were children, since my grandparents were young. pic.twitter.com/Qdq0j2hyN9

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) August 8, 2019

Narendra Modi’s radio address on abrogation of Article 370 at 4 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 4pm. He is expected to speak on the Centre’s move to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

US urges Pakistan not to push for war with India on Kashmir issue

US urged Pakistan to exercise restraint over the Kashmir issue and not push for a war in the subcontinent. “The US is closely following India’s legislation regarding the new territorial status and governance of Jammu and Kashmir. We note the broader implications of these developments, including the potential for increased instability in the region,” a State Department spokesperson said.

Congress mocks NSA Ajit Doval’s outreach, says ‘anybody can be paid to stand with you"

Drawing much flak for its rather confused strategy on Kahsmir and conflicting statements, the Congress seems to have scored another self goal by mocking at the government’s outreach to local by sending National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “Anybody can be paid to stand with someone for photo ops.” He was reacting to photos and videos of Doval interacting with locals. 

#WATCH: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress on pictures of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval interacting with locals in Shopian yesterday: Paise dekar aap kisiko bhi saath le sakte ho. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/iJgwezkeWb

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019

Supreme Court denies urgent hearing of plea seeking withdrawal of curfew, release of politicians under detention

Supreme Court refused urgent hearing on a plea filed by Tehseen Poonawalla seeking withdrawal of curfew, blocking of phone lines, internet, news channels and other restrictions from Jammu and Kashmir. The court also denied a similar request on a plea by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, challenging the abrogation of Article 370.

Lal Singh, Dogra outfit leader, under house arrest in Jammu
 

Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party chairman Choudhary Lal Singh was on late Wednesday night placed under house arrest at his official residence in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.

Ajit Doval spotted sharing a meal with locals, conversing with security personnel 

Doval was seen eating food on a footpath outside closed shops and talking to locals. He exchanged views with them on the security situation and the government’s decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. “Your children and their children will continue to live here. They will make their name in the world,” the NSA told people.

He also met policemen in the area and praised their role in the containing the situation in the state for the past several years. “Jammu and Kashmir Police is one of the best police forces. It has a special place for us,” Doval told the policemen. Later, videos of Doval, flanked by director general of police, Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh, interacting with locals and policemen went viral on social media.

NSA Ajit Doval reaches out to locals in South Kashmir, reviews security situation

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday undertook a whirlwind visit to the militancy-infested south Kashmir and assured the locals that their security is the government’s responsibility. 

Doval arrived in Kashmir on Tuesday, a day after the Centre revoked the provisions of Article 370, which gave special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. He is reaching out to the local population in the Valley as a confidence building measure (CMB). “Everything will be alright. Your safety and security is our responsibility,” Doval told people in Shopian district.

Narendrda Modi may address nation today about abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir’s bifurcation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation on Thursday during which he is expected to explain government’s decisions on abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir and splitting the state into two union territories, sources have said.

Parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution abrogating special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. It also cleared a bill to split the state into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The proposed address comes days before the prime minister’s customary address to the nation on Independence Day from the ramparts of Red Fort.

Essential commodities airlifted from Pathankot

Meanwhile, essential commodities like milk, bread and other items are being airlifted to Jammu and Kashmir from Pathankot, Punjab. The process of distribution of essential commodities in the valley has also begun.

Kashmir has been under lockdown since 6 August when the government announced it will abrogate Article 370 and Article 35 a in parliament biifurcating Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh into two different Union Territories. There is a communication shutdown and certain other restrictions in the Valley.