Kashmir peaceful, no civilian deaths; will soon announce 50,000 jobs: Satya Pal Malik

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said the restrictions in the Valley were for the betterment and welfare of the people, and that a massive recruitment drive will take place in the state in the next 2-3 months. The presser came hours after the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre on Jammu and Kashmir press freedom issue and Article 370 pleas.
Malik said that teams of officials from the Centre have been meeting him every day. He said that the administration has tried its best to impose restrictions while preventing any civilian casualties. While assuring the people of peace in the state, he said that normalcy will soon return to the Valley.
Malik admitted that pellet guns were used during protests in the Valley but the utmost



precaution was taken to prevent any injuries. He said most of the pellet injuries were below the waist.
On the communications clampdown in the state, he said these problems were earlier also there when there were no telephones. He said the restrictions on communication was done so that Pakistan media or anti-national elements don’t misuse it.
The J&K Governor also denied having talked to any political leaders in the Valley. He was speaking in regard to some news reports that he may have talked to Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. The two leaders were detained following the imposition of restrictions in the state after the abrogation of Article 370 provisions.
He also said that the Centre’s aim is to make a J&K that the other Kashmir (PoK) would like to be.