Kathua: Governor Satya Pal Malik Monday defended the communication blockade in the Valley saying safety of Kashmiris was more important than mobile
services which the militants use for their activities and mobilisation.
Mobile phones in Kashmir buzzed back to life on Monday, connecting 40 lakh post-paid subscribers to their families and friends in the country, the
Valley and their neighbourhoods after 72 days but without any internet facilities.
“People used to make noise that there is no telephone. We stopped telephone services because terrorists were using them for their activities,
mobilisation and indoctrination,” Malik said at a function here.
“For us, the life of a Kashmiri was important and not telephone. People were living without telephones earlier also,” he added.
Asserting that mobile phone services were restored now, he said people can go about their normal lives and claimed that militants had begun
arriving in the Valley.
He also ensured that internet services will soon be restored.
“Young boys and girls were having difficulties earlier but now they can speak to each other. Now, there are no issues. Very soon, we will restore
internet services,” he remarked.
The Governor said that the situation in Kashmir was normal and there had been no violence in the last more than two months.
He said in the last two months, “not a single bullet” was fired in the Valley and no protests had taken placed as he credited the security forces
for their strict vigil.
“The prime minister (Narendra Modi) had congratulated me for this. I said that I am not worthy of the praise and you should thank the Kashmiri
people and the police forces for taking steps to ensure that law and order is maintained,” Malik said.
He termed the J&K Police as one of the best police force in the country and promised to increase the compensation amount offered to them. PTI
Malik was speaking at the passing out parade of 1,033 constables from the Police Training School at Kathua.
Referring to the killing of inspector Arshad Khan by militants in south Kashmir in June, the governor said sacrifices by the J and K Police
personnel have earned them the honour and respect of the people of the country.
“They have also earned the respect of the top leadership of the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,” he
said.
He asked the passing out constables to discharge their duties without any fear and pressure.
“J&K Police has become one of the finest forces of the country due to its sacrifices,” Malik said.
He said he is always ready to work for the welfare to the police personnel and their families.
The attestation-cum-passing out parade of the constables was held at S Prithinandan Singh Police Training School at Kathua. Malik was the chief
guest on the occasion and inspected the parade and took salute.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh thanked the governor for enhancing the ex-gratia to the next of kin of the police personnel and the
SPOs killed in the line of duty.
He said the joining of the 1,033 pass outs will further strengthen the force in maintaining law and order. PTI AB

KR Desk