New Delhi (NVI): Seeking to quell criticism and fears over the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today stressed in Rajya Sabha that there was no curfew or section 144 anywhere in the Valley and normalcy has been restored in the state barring internet services.
Defending the continuing internet ban in the Valley, the Home Minister said national security was above internet services. “Internet in Kashmir will be restored as soon as local administration feels it is fit to do so,” he said.
Presenting the status report on Kashmir in the Upper House Amit Shah said there was adequate availability of medicines and mobile medicine vans have been started to ensure health services in the state. “In September, more than 60 lakh persons got treated in Srinagar Hospitals and in October, the number was 60,91000,” he said.
Speaking about law and order the Home Minister said, “Not a single person has been killed in police firing since August 5. Also, section 144 has been lifted from the entire valley and the stone-pelting incidents have in fact decreased compared to last year.”
He added, “Last year there were about 802 stone-pelting cases registered but this year the number is 544 till date.”
“All the schools are open and exams are being conducted smoothly. There is also no shortage of diesel, petrol, kerosene, LPG and rice,” said Shah.
Regarding apple harvest, the home minister informed that around 22 lakh metric tonnes apples are expected to be produced. The transportation arrangements have been made to send apples out of J&K.
The government has also made arrangements to purchase apples from farmers through NAFED. The agency has already procured more than 6,000 metric tonnes of apples, he informed the Rajya Sabha.
All landline services are functioning besides, newspapers and television channels are functioning and there has not been any decline in the circulation of newspapers. The banking system is also fully operational, he further informed.
