Srinagar | National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval said the majority in Kashmir saw the removal of the special status as an opportunity for fast-paced development and jobs.
“I am fully convinced that a majority of Kashmiris totally support the abrogation of Article 370,” Doval told reporters according to news agency ANI.
“Article 370 was not a special status but special discrimination. With its abrogation we have brought Kashmiris on par with Indians”, he added.
Doval also said the contentious provision of the Constitution (Article 370) had only helped Pakistan foment trouble across the LoC along with J&K politicians, who made a fortune from it.
He pointed out that numerous laws prevented the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
“There were many laws for modern and upcoming societies which were denied to people of J&K, right to education, right to property were denied, 106 such laws were taking the protection of Article 370 before August 5,” he said.
Speaking on the “minor revolts” against the decision, he said, “There is a vocal minority that opposes it. It appears to people that it is the voice of the people. That is not necessarily true”.
Doval is also said to have rubbished the alleged atrocities by the armed forces and said that the Army was fighting terrorists in the region.
According to ANI, he also said that the detention of political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir was done as per the law to help maintain law and order as terrorists could have exploited the situation if political gatherings were allowed.
Their preventive custody will end as soon environment is created for democracy to function, which he said, may happen soon.
Suggesting that situation in J&K had been handled well, Doval said only one incident had been reported on August 6, in which one young boy succumbed, not due to any bullet injury but to “some hard object” that hit him.
He also accused Pakistan of spreading false and black propaganda. He said the restrictions would go quickly if Pakistan behaved and stopped using terrorists to intimidate & infiltrate.
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