"In case there were gatherings, terrorists would have used the situation. None of the Jammu and Kashmir political leaders has been charged with any criminal offence or sedition, they are in preventive custody till the environment is created for democracy to function, which I believe may happen soon", he said in an interaction with journalists here.

 

NSA Doval also said that detention of political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir was in accordance with the law and the leaders can challenge their detention in court.

 

He said the situation was getting "much better" than what he had anticipated.

“Out of 199 police station areas in J&K only 10 have prohibitory orders in place, rest have no restrictions. 100 percent land line connections are operational in the state.” Doval said.

The NSA said that as much as 92.5 per cent of the geographical area of Jammu and Kashmir was free of restrictions and the situation is getting better.

 

"92.5 per cent geographical area of Jammu and Kashmir is free of restrictions. We are determined to protect the life of citizens of Kashmir from Pakistan terrorists even if we have to impose restrictions for it. Terror is the only instrument that Pakistan has to create an adverse situation in the Valley", he said.

The NSA also talked of Pakistan's attempts to create disturbance in the Valley and stated that messages have been intercepted in which "Pakistan handlers" were criticising their men for failing to obstruct the movement of vehicles.

 

Doval also expressed his desire to see all restrictions lifted from the Valley.