J&K: Governor tells politicians 'don't create panic over security measures', NIT Srinagar vacated, JeM & LeT recon details accessed

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Friday night that "unnecessary panic" was being created by linking the curtailment of Amarnath Yatra with other issues, and requested political leaders to ask their supporters to maintain calm and do not believe in "exaggerated rumours".

A delegation of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, J&K Peoples Movement chief Shah Faesal and Peoples Conference leaders Sajjad Lone and Imran Reza Ansari met the Governor.

READ | Pakistan Army exposed: Indian forces showcase terrorists' Pak mines & US-made sniper rifle meant to attack Amarnath Yatris

The delegation expressed concerns about the panic situation in Kashmir Valley created by the developments during the day, including the advisory issued by the government asking Amarnath pilgrims and tourists to return as soon as possible, according to a Raj Bhavan statement.

"Governor Malik informed the delegation that there were serious and credible inputs which were available to the security agencies regarding terrorist attacks on the Amarnath Yatra...It is in this context that the government had issued an advisory asking Yatris and tourists to return as soon as possible," the statement added.

READ | Amarnath Yatris being airlifted camp-wise, after J&K govt cuts short yatra over Pakistan's terror plot

Malik said that "unnecessary panic" is being created by linking this measure to all kinds of other issues. 

"A pure security measure is being mixed up with issues with which it has no connection. That is the cause of the panic," he said and requested the leaders to ask their supporters "not to mix up matters, to maintain calm and not believe exaggerated rumours being circulated all around".

"The Governor himself had clarified matters on (Article) 35A yesterday in Baramulla and the day before in Srinagar," the statement added.

Malik had said in Baramulla and Srinagar that there were no plans to abrogate Article 35A of the Constitution, which gives special powers to Jammu and Kashmir.

READ | Omar Abdullah on 'unprecedented' call for Amarnath Yatris' return: 'Airports & highways will be choked with people leaving'

The following is the press release from the Jammu and Kashmir Governor's Office:

Maintain calm and do not believe rumours - Governor to a delegation of political leaders 

The Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Satya Pal Malik met at short notice a delegation of political leaders including Ms Mehbooba Mufti, Mr Shah Faesal, Mr Sajjad Lone and Mr Imran Ansari. They had sought to meet the Governor who immediately gave them time.

The delegation expressed concerns about the panic situation in the Kashmir valley created by the developments during the day including the advisory issued by the government asking Amarnath Yatris and tourists to return as soon as possible.

Governor Malik informed the delegation that there were serious and credible inputs which were available to the security agencies regarding terrorist attacks on the Amarnath Yatra. There was a Press Conference today afternoon by the Corps Commander of the Army and the DGP in which details of the weapons and ammunition recovered was given. Details of the seriousness of the threats that are there were also given. They also mentioned that the security forces were going to tackle these threats head on and will not allow them to succeed.

It is in this context that the government had issued an advisory asking Yatris and tourists to return as soon as possible. These are a vulnerable group of people who do not know the area and are extremely vulnerable to a terrorist or a fidayeen attack. It is the responsibility of the state to provide security to all its citizens. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, Yatris and tourists have been asked to return. This is to ensure that no terrorist attack takes place on them. 

Unnecessary panic is being created by linking this to all kinds of other issues. A pure security measure is being mixed up with issues with which it has no connection. That is the cause of the panic. This has been clarified in the evening by the Home Secretary and the Divisional Commissioner. 

The Governor requested the political leaders to ask their supporters not to mix up matters, to maintain calm and not believe exaggerated rumours being circulated all around. The Governor himself had clarified matters on 35A yesterday in Baramulla and the day before in Srinagar.

READ | Centre deploys additional troops in Kashmir, days after positioning 10000 paramilitary forces in the valley

Classes at NIT Srinagar suspended

Class work for all courses at NIT Srinagar was suspended till further orders, with arrangements to transport all students being made.

Intelligence Note on JeM and LeT reconnaissance targets accessed

An intel note accessed by Republic TV on Friday evening revealed the precise movements of the terrorists in their planning to undertake major terrorist attacks at multiple locations in J&K, including suicide attacks, in collaboration with Pakistan Army elements.

Here's what the note says:

• JeM and LeT terror groups have shown heightened activity and are planning infiltrations to undertake major terror attacks.
• JeM cadre have also been collaborating with Pak Army elements in PoK's capital Muzaffarabad for armed action against Indian armed forces.
• JeM has also planned IED attacks on security forces, with cadres being identified in Peshawar. Other terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen have been directed to assist in IED attacks.

READ | Aaditya Thackeray angered at Amarnath Yatra's curtailment, says 'I'm sure we have strength to purge terrorists'

Airlines waive charges to assist in movement to and from Kashmir:

Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Vistata and SpiceJet have waived relevant cancelling and rescheduling charges to and from Srinagar in light of the recent developments 

WATCH: Arnab Goswami takes on anti-nationals after Indian Army foils Pak Army-backed terrorists' plot to attack Amarnath Yatris

(With PTI inputs)