Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the third day of the Winter Session of Parliament talked about the situations of Jammu and Kashmir. He referred to the situation as ‘normal’ and that internet facilities will be restored shortly after the inputs from local agencies.
Amit Shah said: “Section 144 is removed from Jammu and Kashmir. We agree that mobile and internet are important facilities and needs to be restored soon. But we must remember that it was the BJP that had brought mobile to the Valley. But when it comes to the safety of the country, we have to set a priority. As we all know, the situation in Kashmir remains tensed due to threats from across the border. As far as the internet is concerned, its restoration will be carried out at an appropriate time on admin inputs.”
He further added: “Availability of medicines is adequate, there is no problem. Mobile medicine vans have also started. The administration has taken care of health services. Availability of petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, and rice is adequate. 22 lakh metric ton apples are expected to be produced. All landlines are open.”
The Opposition raised concerns and Congress Leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad asked the Union Home Minister how long will the draconian measures continue in Kashmir. He said: “Schools and colleges have been opened, but there is negligible attendance. There is no provision to ensure that students are able to commute from school to their homes safely.”
He also asked the minister how long can the lockdown continue in the Valley. He said: “There has been a threat from Pakistan for several years, there is nothing new about the situation. Then why such draconian measures? How will students continue their education without integral internet services?”
On which Amit shah said: “Not a single person has died in police firing since August 5 in Jammu and Kashmir. There has been a dip in the incidents of stone-pelting. All newspapers are in circulation, all TV channels are running and all banks are operational in Kashmir.”
The issue was later concluded on Amit Shah challenging Ghulam Nabi Azad regarding the facts he presented about J&K in the parliament. He said: “I challenge Ghulam Nabi Azad Sahab to counter these facts which I presented, why don’t you object to these figures on record? I am willing to discuss this issue for even an hour.”