J&K politicians have learned to live under curbs but not disconnected from masses: Omar Abdullah

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the local political leaders have grown accustomed to curbs put on their movement post-August 2019 but such measures cannot weaken their connect with the masses. The erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, following the repeal of Article 370 which gave the former state special administrative powers. The former J&K chief minister expressed concern over the militant activity in the region, saying terrorism is rearing its head even in the area which had been declared militancy-free sometime back. Omar was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party convention of Chenab Valley zone functionaries at Batote in Ramban district. «This is not a new thing (restrictions on movement of NC leaders and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti). After August 5, 2019, it is a regular affair and we have become habitual of it but we have also learned how to dodge and fight back and we will continue to do so,» he said. On the latest terrorist attack on migrant labourers in south Kashmir's Shopian district despite BJP's insisting that the situation in the valley has improved, Omar said, «We are repeatedly saying that if they claim that the situation has improved, then why not hold elections.»

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He said that the Centre's tall claims of improved security were belied by terror attacks in Shopian, Rajouri, and Poonch. Either the claims are wrong or we are not able to see the real situation, he added. The border districts of Rajouri and Poonch have so far this year witnessed several terror attacks, leaving 10 soldiers and