‘Don’t Believe Rumours, Stay Calm’: Governor Satya Pal Malik Asks J&K Political Leaders To Counter ‘Unnecessary Fear’ 

As speculations are rife about centre's decision to deploy additional forces to Jammu and Kashmir followed by a spate of advisories, Governor Satya Pal Malik has exhorted the people of the state to not fall for rumours, reports ZEE.

A delegation of leaders of various political parties of the state including Shah Faesal, Mehbooba Mufti, Sajjad Lone met the governor on Friday. During the meeting, the Governor asked the leaders of the parties to ask their workers to communicate to people that they should not believe in rumours and stay calm.

The possibility of scrapping of Article 35A, a goal mentioned in ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s election manifesto, has evoked sharp responses from the valley's top leaders.

Warning the Centre against any such move, the PDP head and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said, "If any hand tries to touch Article 35A, not only that hand, but that whole body will be burnt to ashes."

Omar Abdullah of National Conference said, “Although this unprecedented order would seem to suggest a genuine fear of a massive terror strike directed at Amarnathji yatris or/and tourists, this will do nothing to dampen the sense of fear & foreboding that prevails in the Valley at the moment.

A delegation led by him also met Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik today to "find out what is happening in the state."

Reportedly, the common people are rushing to petrol pumps, grocery shops and ATMs to stock up on supplies. Airlines have waived cancellation charges, tourists are packing up to leave.

The National Institute of Technology in Srinagar issued a notice, citing the district administration, that class work for all courses “stands suspended till further orders”.