Most Kashmiris see better chances post-370 abrogation: Ajit Doval

New Delhi, Sept 7: Stating that most Kashmiris are in support of abrogation of Article 370 National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval who spent 11 days in the Valley said that most Kashmiris see better and greater opportunities, a better future and more jobs for the youths after the abrogation of this controversial, discriminatory and ‘temporary’ Article 370 and 35 A.

A vocal minority who are opposed to removing of this article gets a major publicity sending the signal to the country that they are the voice of the Kashmiri people which is not necessarily correct, he explained.

According to agency reports, Doval, who spent 11 days in the Kashmir Valley after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A was interacting with a select group of journalists. He said that he was convinced beyond doubt that most Kashmiris supported the abrogation of Article 370.

Supporting the restrictions imposed in the Valley, he said that restrictions were aimed at preventing Pakistan from creating more mischief through proxies and terrorists. He also said that over 90 percent geographical area of the state is free of restrictions.

Describing Article 370 as ‘article of special discrimination’ the NSA said that by abrogating that we have brought Jammu and Kashmir at par with other Indian states and people with Indians.

He further said that the landline phones are operational in the state and restrictions were being eased our progressively. The restrictions are in force only in 10 out of the 199 police districts in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. However, the landline phones are restored, he added.

Clarifying that not one leader detained as precautionary measure has been charged with criminal offences or sedition and that everything was going on according to the law, the NSA said that these leaders are in preventive custody and will remain there till the atmosphere conducive for democracy to function is visible in the state. There could have been problems in maintaining law and order in case there were gatherings and terrorists would have used the situation.

Blaming Pakistan for fomenting unrest in Kashmir, Doal alleged that Pakistan has despatched many terrorists in the Valley with an intention to disturb normalcy and peace.

“If anybody is interested in restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir it is India,” he said. “We will not allow people to become victims of Pakistan’s machinations and its bullets sent across the border. We will do everything in power to protect the people,” he added.

Accusing Pakistan of trying to create trouble in the Valley, Doval said, “230 Pakistani terrorists were spotted, some of them have infiltrated, some arrested. We are determined to protect the life of Kashmiris from Pakistani terrorists even if we have to impose restrictions. Terror is the only instrument Pakistan uses to create unrest.”