Kashmir: Days after lockdown, schools, offices could re-open on Monday
After days of lockdown, Kashmir's residents may get respite on Monday as schools and government offices could be re-opened, NDTV reported quoting sources. However, the decision will be taken after studying the on-ground situation. On Friday, the Centre also told the Supreme Court that restrictions in Kashmir would be lifted in the next few days. The situation is improving, the Centre added.
Centre sent heavy troops to J&K before revoking Article 370
Before Centre made the massive announcement of revoking Article 370 and dividing J&K into two union territories, it sent forces to the state to deal with any fallout. Since August 4, prohibitory orders have been imposed in Kashmir, which directly affected the day-to-day lives of residents. The restrictions were lifted from Jammu on Wednesday, but Kashmir remained under a strict vigil.
Journalist approached SC, said communication lines must be restored
Earlier in the day, a special bench of CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SA Bobde and Abdul Nazeer, heard a petition filed by Kashmir Times executive editor Anuradha Bhasin. She sought restoration of all communication lines so that media can function properly. "If press identities are respected and permitted to travel, it will help," lawyer Vrinda Grover, appearing for Bhasin, said in court.
Interestingly, Justice Bobde said he received a call from J&K
On her plea, CJI Gogoi said, "I have read in the media report that restrictions on landline and broadline are likely to be removed by the evening today." Further, Justice Bobde remarked that he received a call from Chief Justice of J&K High Court. Thereafter, Grover submitted in her response that only a few landlines have been made functional.
No curbs have been imposed on publications: Centre
Also, Grover argued that the paper was being published from Jammu, and not Srinagar, because of, what she called, an "information blackout". Responding to this, Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, said no restrictions have been imposed on publications. If the Jammu edition can be published, then why can't it be published from Srinagar, Venugopal asked.
Trust the agencies, situation will be settled soon: Solicitor General
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said petitioners shouldn't jump the gun and knock on SC's doors regarding the situation in the border state. "Let security agencies be trusted. Over the next few days, the situation will be settled," the senior law officer added. SC agreed to hear the matter related to restrictions later but didn't fix a date for the hearing.
Separately, bench reprimanded lawyer for filing "meaningless" petition
Separately, the special bench pulled up advocate ML Sharma for filing a shoddy plea challenging the Centre's Kashmir move. "What kind of petition is this? What are you challenging, what are your pleadings. I read your petition for half an hour. I couldn't understand it," CJI Gogoi said angrily. Sharma, a lawyer-activist, assured he will file an amended plea.
