NSA Ajit Doval visits Kashmir, ensures situation is calm

In light of the centre abrogating Article 370 of the constitution, which gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir a special status, vigilant efforts have been taken by the NSA Ajit Doval to ensure that peace is maintained in the state. A day after the Article was revoked and the state was divided into 2 Union Territories, Doval arrived in the valley to personally assess the security situation.

Videos have surfaced in which Ajit Doval was seen interacting with people yesterday, in an effort to create an atmosphere of normalcy. The NSA was also seen sitting and interacting with a handful of local people and was even spotted having lunch outside shuttered down shops in an empty market place in South Kashmir’s Shopian. He deliberately chose Shopian for his visit as the place is considered hotbed of militancy. Thus, if the situation in Shopian is calm, the rest of the state will be in a much better off position.

There, he sought to explain to the people how the new setup would be beneficial for them and increase the quality of education and provide better health facilities. He told them, “The government will make every effort to better the education of the children in the valley. It might not be as good as the private institutes, but you’ll definitely see an improvement.” He also said, “Everything will be alright. Your safety and security is our responsibility. Your children and their children will continue to live here. They will make their name in the world.” 

He also met the security personnel in Shopian, to get an update of the situation. Doval addressed groups of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force and the Indian Army personnel to boost their morale in the situation. Videos have surfaced in which he was seen encouraging the CRPF personnel. He stated, “There hasn’t ever been any situation in the country wherein you haven’t been there, especially in Kashmir. Here your morale, your discipline and your work ethics are commendable.” He also said he was aware of the danger the security forces faced as he himself had been a part of the security set-up for the past 52 years.

Earlier, the NSA met Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar to discuss the security situation prevailing in the state as well as outside in the aftermath of the developments in Parliament relating to Jammu and Kashmir.

According to an official spokesperson, both of them stressed the need to ensure the safety of the public and emphasised on constant alertness, preparedness and synergy among various departments in order to deal with any unforeseen situation.

Ajit Doval directed the officials in Kashmir to ensure that common people do not face any hardships during curfew and restrictions. He also directed the officials to ensure smooth supply of essential food items and provide emergency assistance on a priority basis.

Ahead of the abrogation of the articles, the centre had ensured that the security arrangements in the state are more than adequate. For this, additional companies of security personnel were flown in the valley. Due to these efforts, the situation in the state seems calm and relaxed.