Majority of Kashmiri people are happy Article 370 has gone: NSA Ajit Doval

National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, rubbished allegations of atrocities by Army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, asserting that it was in the region only to fight terrorists. The NSA said that the public order in Jammu and Kashmir is being maintained by local police and paramilitary forces.

"We would like to see all restrictions go, depending on how Pakistan behaves," he added while speaking to journalists. "Our objective is to protect and secure people of Kashmir, the most important human right is the right to life. Reasonable restrictions are required for ensuring peace and protection of Right to life. If Pakistan starts behaving, terrorists won't intimidate and infiltrate. If Pakistan stops sending signals through its towers to operatives, we can lift restrictions."

He said they had intercepted communication from Pakistan's communication towers, situated 20 km along the border, to terror operatives embedded in the new union territory. "We heard the messages…," he said. "They were telling their men here 'How are so many apple trucks moving... can't you stop them? Should we send you bangles?'"

He added that a majority of the Kashmiri people support the government's August 5 move. "I am totally convinced that the majority of Kashmiris support the abrogation of Article 370," he said on Saturday.

"They see greater opportunities, future, economic progress and employment opportunities. Only a few miscreants are opposing it."

As the National Security Advisor, Doval has played a key role in tackling the situation in the month-old union territory and, according to senior officials, was consulted to formulate a strategy for the region by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In August, Doval had spent around 10 days in the Valley to take stock of the situation, visiting several districts including Anantnag, Shopian and Srinagar.

He had apprised the Home Minister that normal life had been restored in the Jammu region and peace prevailed in the Valley. The meeting was attended by Intelligence Bureau chief Arvind Kumar and RAW chief Samant Goel, among other senior officials.

He also took the opportunity to set the record straight about Kashmir always being an integral part of India.

"Pakistan never objected to the inclusion of J&K as State of the Union or as an integral part of India in Constitution. Article 370 amended in the past. It was not part of any bilateral or multilateral agreement. Totally an internal matter," he added.

Giving a historical perspective on Article 370, he said, "Constituent Assembly of India had representatives from all over the country, including J&K. Constitution-making is the sovereign right of Nation. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution included J&K as a State of the Union. Article 370 is the only article out of 395 Articles in Constitution, which was temporary. Constitution-making and Amendment is totally an internal matter. The accession of J&K predates inclusion of Article 370 in Constitution."

He added that the neighbouring adversary's efforts at creating turmoil in J&K shows desperation as "they have lost face in front of those whom they sold false dreams."

"Pakistan's Op Topac in 1988 used Article 370 as the basis to create a separatist mindset and State support for terrorism," said Doval. "This basis stands demolished... 42,000 lives were lost due to cross border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan."

—Zee Media Newsroom