J&K: 'Decline in local people joining militancy,' says Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon

Following Jammu and Kashmir's full integration with India after the scrapping of Article 370 and its bifurcation into two union territories - J&K and Ladakh, Republic TV spoke to Chinar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon.

According to Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, the security situation in the valley is normal and under control. Talking to Republic TV, the Chinar Corps Commander also informed that militancy had reduced after the historic decision:

 "There has been a considerable decline in the militancy in Kashmir. The number of locals resorting to militancy has decreased." he said

Security forces in the valley have kept a strict vigil and numerous measures have been taken to ensure that peace prevails in the valley. These measures have been considered during the course of Article 370's revocation which was passed in both the houses of the parliament. 

READ: India Hits Back At Pakistan, Says "invoking Alarmist Vision Of The Region Will Never Succeed", Over J&K Integration

Security was beefed up after Pakistan attempted to internationalize India's internal issue and engaged in repeated ceasefire violations. Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon also stated that:

Lt Gen KJS Dhillon also confirmed that there were zero casualties on both sides and has said that there are absolute calm and peace in the Valley. He further said that security passes and vehicle passes are being issued to the people, air ticket will be taken as a security pass - person possessing air ticket will not be stopped at security points. He established that everyone in the state is being taken care of well by the Indian Army and that the restrictions in place were for the safety of the people in J&K.

"Police force are helping people with emergencies and the civic administration are making door-to-door visits to distribute vegetables, milk and food packets. Officers with satellite phones are helping citizens reach out to their family outside the state." he added

Meanwhile, on Thursday, India issued a statement on Pakistan’s unilateral decision to downgrade bilateral relations. It said that the intention of Pakistan is to present an alarming picture to the world. Statement by New Delhi also called out the terrorism spread by Pakistan by saying that the scrapping of Article 370 is negatively perceived in Pakistan as the country had utilized such sentiments to justify its cross-border terrorism.

While normalcy returned to the valley, Pakistan has expelled Indian envoy Ajay Bisaria from the country. As per sources, Pakistan has also decided to not send its High Commissioner-designate who was supposed to take charge in August.

J&K's Article 370 Scrapped: Pakistan Officially Cites Congress In Its Attempts Internationalise India's Internal Affairs

In a series of other moves by the neighbouring country, it has decided to downgrade ties with India. It has also decided to suspend bilateral trade with India and review all bilateral arrangements with India. Pakistan has also said that it will take India's internal matter of Kashmir to United Nations, including the Security Council. It has also decided to observe 14 August, its Independence Day in solidarity with 'Kashmiris'. and declared August 15, India's Independence as 'Black Day'.