Jitendra Singh: J-K saw most peaceful festive season in decades, lauds Amit Shah

government on Wednesday rejected claims by a National Conference member in Lok Sabha about situation in Kashmir, saying region witnessed one of most peaceful festive seasons in decades. Participating in debate on Demands for Grants, Hasnain Masoodi (NC) said political leaders have been put under house arrest and internet shutdown is creating problems for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals. 

After a brief exchange of words between opposition and treasury benches on situation in Valley, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh intervened saying region has remained by and large peaceful following scrapping of special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

'Amit Shah is most kind-hearted Home Minister'

On issue of detention of leaders, including Farooq Abdullah,  he said Sheikh Abdullah was kept in house arrest some 2,000 km away in Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu). But Farooq Abdullah is staying in his house, he said while asserting that Amit Shah "is most kind-hearted Home Minister". Masoodi demanded that people be allowed to offer prayers at grave of Sheikh Abdullah on his birth anniversary on Thursday.

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'Most peaceful season'

Singh said area has seen one of most peaceful festive seasons in last 20-30 years. "You have seen videos of how Sunday market is crowded," he said. Referring to internet shutdown, minister said it has helped security forces liquidate terrorists. Earlier, during course of debate, B Mahtab (BJD) said that rmalcy in Jammu and Kashmir does t end with Farooq Abdullah and political leaders. rmalcy will be restored once Kashmiri pandits, who were driven out of Valley, return to ir homes, he said, adding y too deserve justice. 

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