Ishfaq-ul-Hassan | India Tomorrow
SRINAGAR, MARCH 1—Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik has dropped a bombshell claiming that he was told that more than 1000 people might get killed if Article 370 is abrogated.
“I was told 1,000 people will get killed (for the abrogation of Article 370). When I asked why? I was told that in Kashmir 10 people are killed during Farooq Abdullah’s election, 120 people get killed after Burhan Wani’s death. People will attack Raj Bhavan,” Malik said.
The former governor was addressing International Jat Parliament at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on March 1. Malik, who is currently the Governor of Goa, said a day before Article 370 abrogation, he had called the Chief Secretary to inform him about the decision.
“I told him not to worry. I have been doing it for five months now. I have understood the people’s feelings and made them understand that mere 250 boys have no chance against the world’s second strongest army,” he added.
Known for his blunt and at times controversial remarks, Malik said that he had prepared the ground for the abrogation of Article 370 and he knew that nothing adverse would happen once the decision was taken.
Goa Governor said he had told the people of Kashmir that dialogue was the only option for them.
“I made them understand that violence was useless. I was sure not even one person would come on the road (in protest against the decision). You won’t believe, three former CMs went to jail and no one came out for their support,” he told an applauding crowd.
Kashmir has been simmering after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two union territories – Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir, on August 5 last year. Entire political leadership including three former chief ministers –Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah –was jailed.
Figures presented in Parliament reveal that more than 5,161 people including politicians were arrested since the abrogation of Article 370. Though many politicians and other detainees have been released, three former chief ministers continue to be jailed under Public Safety Act.
Tensions post abrogation of Article 370 has dealt a major blow to fledgling tourism sector with tourist footfall dropping by 87 percent since August 5 in the valley. Figures presented in Lok Sabha reveal that only 36,105 tourists visited Kashmir in four months from August compared to 2,67,955 in the corresponding period last year.
Preliminary Economic Loss Assessment Report released by The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has revealed startling facts about the losses suffered by the business community in 120 days from August 5 to December 3. More than 4.96 lakh people have lost jobs and the business community has incurred over Rs 17800 crore financial losses post abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.
