Published 11:38 IST, September 2nd 2019
S Jaishankar: J&K communication restrictions to counter terrorists
S Jaishankar, India's EAM, has said that communication restrictions in Kashmir are necessary at the moment to stop contact between terrorists and their masters
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that it will t be possible to clamp down on terrorists without having any impact on rest of Kashmir. Jaishankar, in an interview to a global news publication, said that communication restrictions were necessary since it would help to stop contact between terrorists, and that cant be achieved without having any impact on rest of region. Article 370 in relation to J&K was abrogated in August reby unifying state with rest of country like never before and bringing it fully under Constitution of India.
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Taking on Pakistan without naming it, Jaishankar asked, “How do I cut off communications between terrorists and ir masters on one hand, but keep internet open for or people? I would be delighted to kw.”
Security measures after abrogation of Article 370
Jaishankar was speaking in reference to restrictions imposed across Jammu and Kashmir since Article 370's abrogation in order to maintain safety and security of citizens. In weeks since n a number of restrictions have been eased, with communications lines open for a majority of districts in J&K, though restrictions on mobile Internet remain for reasons such as those specified by External Affairs Minister.
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Along with communication services starting to be opened up, over last few weeks on ground rmalcy has also been evident in most parts with schools have opened and government offices also being operational. Jaishankar reiterated government's position to ease restrictions over next few days. He said, "I would suggest to you that in coming days you will see an easing up progressively”. He ded that police and military forces who were deployed in region would be released and moved back to ir original stations since "y have or jobs and or things to do."
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EAM's meet with EU leers
Jaishankar was speaking at sidelines of meetings with European Union leers such as David Sassoli, President of EU Parliament, and Federica Mogherini, European Union foreign policy chief in Brussels. In interview, Jaishankar also rejected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's invitation to conduct an "open dialogue" on issue. Pakistan PM h written an op-ed in New York Times on Friday seeking for a dialogue between two countries. India's stand has consistently been 'end terrorism for talks', while Pakistan's recent statements and efforts have hardly been along same lines.
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10:25 IST, September 2nd 2019