India SC asks how long restrictions to continue in Kashmir

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday asked the Centre that how long it intends to continue with the restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

"How many days you want restrictions. It is already two months now. You have to come clear on this and you have to find out other methods," a bench headed by justice NV Ramana said.

"You may impose restrictions, but you (government) have to review your decisions."

The court which was hearing various miscellaneous petitions seeking relaxation and other issues in the valley listed the matter for 5 November.

Appearing for Jammu and Kashmir administration, solicitor general Tushar Mehta told the court that around 99 per cent restrictions have been removed and the easing of restriction is reviewed on a daily basis.

He also told the court that the opening of the internet is directly linked to the spurt in terrorist cases in the valley. He further added that these issues have trans-border implications.

One of the plea filed by Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin has sought a relaxation of movements in the valley, while another one was filed by a child rights activist alleging illegal detentions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The court also directed the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to expeditiously decide on the plea filed by Asifa Mubeen challenging the detention of her NRI husband.

The court will also hear other pleas, including that of CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury challenging the detention of his party colleague Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's plea on the next date fixed for hearing.