Srinagar, August 28: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said phone and internet are more used by terrorists and Pakistanis use than residents of the state. Satya Pal Malik made the statement while speaking on communication blackout imposed in Jammu and Kashmir since August 4 when the central government moved to scrap the special status of the state under Article 370. Jammu and Kashmir Loses Privileges Under Article 370, Article 35A: What Does it Mean For Kashmiris and Other Indians?

"The medium of phone and internet is used less by us and mostly by terrorists and Pakistanis as well as for mobilisation and indoctrination. It is a kind of weapon used against us so we have stopped it," Malik told a press conference. The Governor said communication services will be restored gradually. "We are opening mobile phone connectivity in Kupwara and Handwara districts. Soon, we will open connectivity in other districts as well," he said. Article 370 Revoked: Nirmal Singh Removes Jammu And Kashmir Flag From Official Vehicle, Watch Video.

Malik denied all reports of casualties in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in the state. "Every Kashmiri's life is valuable to us, we don't want a loss of even a single life. There has been no civilian casualty, only the few who got violent are injured. They also have below the waist injuries," Governor said. He further announced a large number of job opportunities for residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Communication Blackout:

"We today announce 50,000 jobs in Jammu and Kashmir administration. We will appeal to the youth to get involved with full vigour. In coming two-three months we will fill these positions," Malik told reporters. He reiterated the abrogation of Article 370 was done to fully integrate the state into India and vowed to change the face of Kashmir in six months.

President Ram Nath Kovind on August 7 signed an order ending the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, a day after Parliament passed the resolution, along with a bill to bifurcate the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature and Ladakh without a legislature.

The state has been on lockdown since Sunday and all communication services in the region have been blocked, including cellular network, landline, mobile internet, and broadband connectivity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 06:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).