Those Against Scrapping Art 370 Will Be Beaten With Shoes: J&K Guv

Malik also justified clampdown on mobile and Internet services by saying they are “mostly used by terrorists”

Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday held a press briefing in Srinagar

(Photo: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

In a rather controversial statement, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday, 28 August claimed that those opposing the scrapping of Article 370 will get beaten up with shoes by people.

Malik made the comments when asked to comment upon Rahul Gandhi’s stand on Jammu and Kashmir during a press briefing in Srinagar.

Malik initially said that he won’t comment on Gandhi as he hails from a “respectable family of the country” but went on to lash out at the Congress leader.

“He has behaved like a political juvenile, as a result of which Pakistan has included his comments in its letter to the UN. He should have objected when his party’s leader linked the Kashmir issue to UN in Parliament. They have not clarified their stand on Kashmir till today. When elections come, their (Congress’) opposition will point and say these are the supporters of Article 370. They will be beaten up with shoes”.

‘Mobile, Internet Mostly Used by Terrorists’

Asked about the restrictions on communication, Malik said that these services are “mostly used by terrorists”, adding that they will be restored shortly.

“The medium of phone and internet is used less by us and mostly by terrorists and Pakistanis as well as for mobilisation & indoctrination. It is a kind of weapon used against us so we have stopped it. Services will be resumed gradually,” he said.

‘50,000 Govt Vacancies to be Filled’

In a major announcement, Malik said that as many as 50,000 vacancies in the Jammu and Kashmir administration will be filled in the next “two-three months”.

“This will be the largest recruitment drive in the state,” he said adding that the Centre will soon make a 'big' announcement on Jammu and Kashmir.