SC asks Centre, J&K administration to restore normalcy in Valley

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The Supreme Court asked the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir administration to make all endeavours to restore normalcy in Kashmir Valley as soon as possible. However, the court made it clear that the restoration would be on a selective basis keeping in mind national interest.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising justices S A Bobde and S A Nazeer, was told by Attorney General K K Venugopal about steps taken by authorities to restore normalcy in the state.

The bench asked him to file an affidavit indicating steps taken so far in the matter.

When the top court was told about the alleged shutdown of mobile and Internet services in the Valley, the bench said these issues could be dealt with by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for petitioner and Executive Editor of Kashmir Times Anuradha Bhasin, told the bench that mobile, Internet services and public transport are not working in the Valley and it would be difficult for them to approach the high court.

Venugopal, however, said that issues raised by the petitioner do not appear to be genuine as Kashmir-based newspapers are being published and the government has been offering all kinds of assistance to them.

The Supreme Court today also allowed senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Jammu and Kashmir, but said he cannot hold any political rally.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice said Mr Azad can visit four districts — Srinagar, Jammu, Baramulla, Anantnag — to meet people.

The bench was told by senior advocate A M Singhvi, who was appearing for Ghulam Nabi Azad, that he wants to meet the people and inquire about their welfare.