After 38 days of restricted movement in Kashmir, the Department of public relations - J&K (DIPR-J&K) on Thursday, shared that restrictions had been lifted from all areas. It also added that traffic movement had increased manifold. While landlines were fully functional, DIPR-J&K said that mobile phones too were working considerably in Kupwara and Handwara. Medical services have been functional throughout the period, as reported by Kashmir administration.

Restrictions removed from Valley

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Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind backs Centre on Article 370

Earlier in the day, the General Council of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, India's top Muslim body on Thursday, has backed the parliament's move to abrogate Article 370. In a resolution passed by the body on Thursday at its headquarters in New Delhi, it states that Kashmir is an integral part of India. This resolution was announced by its General secretary- Mahmood Madani stating that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind can never support any separatist movement as such movements harm India and Kashmir. It has also reiterated its belief in India's unity and integrity.

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J&K inconvenience temporary: Gen. Rawat

Meanwhile,  Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said that residents must realise their gains due to abrogation of article 370. He stated that Kashmir was an integral part of India and that the inconvenience caused due to the restrictions was temporary. He also urged the residents to help the administration in maintaining peace.  He added that after experiencing terror for so long, Kashmir must now give peace a chance.

"Jammu and Kashmir residents should understand that whatever is happening is for their welfare. The government has revoked article 370 from the Valley, thus proclaiming Kashmir an integral part of India. As they are our own people and the territory comes under India, such measures were necessary.  The inconveniences felt by the J&K residents should be seen with respect to the activities taken up there. I feel that Kashmir residents should help the security forces, administration in maintaining peace in the Valley. They have experienced terrorism for thirty years. Now, they should experience the peace that will emerge from the ongoing steps of the government," he added.

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Current Kashmir situation

While traffic has increased, public transport was off the roads, officials said. Though restrictions have been from all places, security forces continued to be deployed to maintain law and order. Restrictions were first imposed across Kashmir on August 5, when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcate the state into two Union territories. Markets and other business establishments remained closed.

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