New Delhi / Security Forces are Determined to protect Kashmiris from Pakistani terrorists: NSA Ajit Doval

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday said that security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are determined to protect Kashmiris from Pakistan terrorists, who are constantly trying to create trouble in the region.

While some terrorists had managed to infiltrate, most of them have been arrested, said the national security advisor.

"We are determined to protect the life of Kashmiris from Pakistani terrorists even if we have to impose restrictions, terror is the only instrument Pakistan has to create unrest," he said.

Doval said Pakistani communication towers trying to send messages have been intercepted, where suspected Pakistani authorities could be heard questioning their own men.

Shifting focus to the internal situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Doval said over 92 per cent of the geographical area of Jammu and Kashmir is freed from any kind of restrictions.

He said that there is no question of atrocities by army as only local police and central forces are handling the public order. "Indian Army is there only to fight terrorists," he said.

The NSA further clarified that only 10 out of 199 police station areas in J&K have prohibitory orders in place while 100 per cent of landline connections have been made operational.

Doval also said that he is totally convinced that majority of Kashmiris are supporting the abrogation of Article 370.

"I am totally convinced that majority of Kashmiris support the abrogation of Article 370, they see greater opportunities, future, economic progress and employment opportunities, only a few miscreants are opposing it," he said.

On the detention of Kashmiri leaders including Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, Doval said, "They are in preventive detention, there could have been problems in maintaining law and order in case there were gatherings, terrorists would have used the situation."

"None of them(J&K political leaders) have been charged with criminal offence or sedition, they are in preventive custody till environment is created for democracy to function, which I believe may happen soon," he said.

He went on to say that the detention of political leaders has been done in accordance with the framework of law and added that the leaders can challenge their detention in court.

Saying that the situation is getting better in the Valley, Doval said no one has died of a bullet injury and that he thinks the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is getting better.

"We would like to see all restrictions go, but it depends on how Pakistan behaves. It's a stimulant and response situation. If Pakistan starts behaving, terrorists don't intimidate and infiltrate, if Pak stops sending signals through its towers to operatives, we can lift restrictions," he added.