NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Centre and asked the government as to how long it intends to continue with the restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.“How many days you want restrictions. It is already two months now. You have to come clear on this and you have to find out other methods,” a bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said adding that, “You may impose restrictions, but you (government) have to review your decisions.”
The court, which was hearing various miscellaneous petitions seeking relaxation and other issues in the Valley, slated the detailed hearing for November 5. Appearing for J&K administration, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that around 99 per cent restrictions have been removed and the easing of restriction is reviewed daily. He also told the court that the opening of the internet is directly linked to the spurt in terrorist cases in the Valley.
He further added that these issues have trans-border implications. The government on October 14 restored mobile phone services for post-paid subscribers in Kashmir after 72 days but without any internet facilities. Pre-paid mobile services remain suspended.One of the pleas filed by Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin has sought a relaxation of movements in the Valley, while another one was filed by a child rights activist alleging illegal detentions in J&K.The court also directed the J&K High Court to expeditiously decide on the plea filed by Asifa Mubeen challenging the detention of her NRI husband.