Article 35A to be Abrogated? J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik Dispells 'Rumour', Calls Speculations Baseless
The Governor urged the people to not believe in 'rumours' claiming that the deployment of additional security forces in the valley was in build-up to the state losing its special status. 'A lot of rumours are spread here, do not pay any heed to them. Everything is fine, everything is normal', insisted Malik.
Srinagar, July 30: Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik, said on Tuesday that any doubts or fears raised about the quashing or abrogation of Article 35A are false and unwarranted. The Governor urged the people to not believe in "rumours" claiming that the deployment of additional security forces in the valley was in build-up to the state losing its special status. 'Militants Should Kill Corrupt People Instead of Innocents', Says Jammu And Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik; Statement Stirs Row.
Malik was questioned if the recent deployment of the armed forces in the valley indicated the possibility of a prolonged law and order situation, to which the Governor replied, “A lot of rumours are spread here, do not pay any heed to them. Everything is fine, everything is normal." PTI quoted Malik in reply to the questions regarding the alleged "fake" orders that appeared on social media.
Though Malik tried to run down the issue, Omar Abdullah demanded action and inquiry into the "fake" messages. “This is a very serious matter raised by the Governor. Fake orders were circulated under the signature of senior government officers. This is not something that can be dismissed with a simple sound byte. The CBI must be asked to investigate these fake orders & their origin,” Abdullah tweeted.
In another video of Malik, the Governor is seen sharing an anecdote where he mentions a "shawl wala" asking him about freedom and his subsequent reply was shared by news agency ANI. The Governor is heard saying in the video that, "You (Kashmiri) are already free but if you want to join Pakistan, nobody is stopping you. But you cannot break India and get independence."
Watch the Video in the ANI Tweet Below
Satyapal Malik also hailed Muslims for their support in conducting Amarnath Yatra. The first batch of Amarnath Yatris left Jammu on Tuesday for the Kashmir Valley, to begin the annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine.
"The security for the yatra is our responsibility and we are taking care of it. But police or Army do not conduct the yatra. For many years, the Amarnath Yatra is being conducted by the people of Kashmir, especially our Muslim brothers. The yatra takes place with their support," Malik told reporters.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2019 06:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).