The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been in a state of lockdown since August 5 when the government decided to modify Article 370 of the Indian Constitution (Express Photo by Shuaib Masoodi) The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been in a state of lockdown since August 5 when the government decided to modify Article 370 of the Indian Constitution (Express Photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

More than a month after the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Wednesday indicated that situation in the state is returning to normalcy with the easing of restrictions.

In an update on the J&K situation, the MHA said all landline connections have been restored, while schools and health institutions are fully functioning. All banks and ATMs are also functional and over 1.08 crore have been withdrawn from the J&K bank, it said.

As per the MHA update, all health institutions are fully functional with 510,870 Out-Patient-Departments (OPD) and 15,157 surgeries. It also said postpaid mobile services in Kupwara have been restored.

Allaying fears on the availability of basic necessities, the government has said there is an adequate stock of petroleum products and food grains, and the movement of over 42,600 trucks carrying supplies since August 6.

Update from #JammuAndKashmir Govt as on 11.09.19

1. All Landlines restored; Postpaid mobiles in Kupwara restored

2. Schools functioning; Teacher-Student attendance improving

3. All Health Institutions fully functional; OPD: 510870, Surgeries: 15157 @diprjk @PIB_India — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 11, 2019

The government’s update came a day after India at the United Nations Human Rights Council said the recent measures of the government on Kashmir fall within the framework of the Constitution and will ensure that progressive measures will be fully applicable in J&K and Ladakh.

The rights body was told that J&K’s civil administration is ensuring basic services, essential supplies, normal functioning of institutions, mobility and nearly full connectivity.

“Democratic processes have been initiated. Restrictions are being eased continuously. Temporary preventive and precautionary measures were necessitated to ensure safety and security of our citizens in the face of credible threats of cross-border terrorism,” MEA Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh said, while also rejecting Pakistan’s contentions on Kashmir as a “malicious agenda”.

On Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had expressed “deep concern” at the communication shutdown and detention of political leadership in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the Indian government to ensure that human rights are respected and protected.

J&K has been under security lockdown and communication blackout since August 5 when the government decided to modify Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave it special rights. The government also decided to bifurcate the state into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

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