National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday said that in the past one month starting from August 5, 2019, it has been for the first time since 1988 that not even a single bullet has been fired in the Valley.
Doval was speaking to national and international journalists on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and addressed issues like restrictions in the Valley, how the situation was getting normal after the abrogation of Article 370.
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"I think the situation is getting much better than what I anticipated. Only one incident is reported on August 6 in which one young boy succumbed to his injuries. He did not die of bullet injury. Post mortem report says he died because some hard object that hit him. In so many days, only one incident has been reported and it may be noted that we are talking about the terrorist infested area," Doval said.
On the current curbs on communication in J&K, Doval said if "the threat level is high then protection level should also be high."
"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," he said.
Speaking to journalists, NSA Doval said, "Pakistan's efforts at creating turmoil in J&K shows desperation as they have lost face in front of those whom they sold false dreams."
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"Pakistan's Operation Topac (gun in Pashto) in 1988 used Article 370 as the basis to create a separatist mindset and State support for terrorism. This basis stands demolished, 42,000 lives lost due to cross border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan," Doval added.
"Pakistan-sponsored terrorists are making all efforts to prevent the restoration of normalcy. It is evident by the killing of civilians and putting threatening posters. On September 6, terrorists targeted apple traders family, including 3-years -old girl, in Sopore on instructions of Pak handlers," Doval said.
NSA Doval also said that Article 370 did not give special status but ensured special discrimination against the people of J&K.
Noting that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is getting better, Doval said restrictions can only be lifted only when Pakistan "behaves".
"We would like to see all restrictions go, depending on how Pakistan behaves. It is a stimulant and response situation. 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 in an interaction with journalists here.
Several restrictions were imposed in the state after the Centre last month scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir. However, restrictions are being lifted in a phased manner. The government has also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
