Face of Nation : After six days of a security lockdown that included the suspension of phone and internet services, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said today that he wanted people in the state to “celebrate Eid without fear and peacefully”. The Governor’s comment comes as the centre, which imposed restrictions to control protests against its decision to scrap special status for Jammu and Kashmir, has begun relaxing them to encourage the return of normalcy.
“We are preparing for Eid. We are ensuring that maximum facilities are provided to the people. Meanwhile, the National Conference today petitioned the Supreme Court against the centre’s move to scrap special status and divide it into two union territories. In its petition, former chief minister Omar Abdullah’s party claimed the centre’s move was “illegal”. More than 40,000 troops are currently in Jammu and Kashmir; the build-up occurred over the past weeks as part of the centre’s meticulous prep for its Article 370 move.
Once the decision was announced in parliament by Home Minister Amit Shah, a complete communications blackout was enforced; top officials used satellite phones to communicate.
