Governor Malik hoists tricolour in first Independence Day celebration in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of special status

Sustained efforts by armed forces have ensured that terrorists have accepted their defeat, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Thursday after hoisting the national flag at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium here in the first Independence Day celebration after the abrogation of the state's special status.

After unfurling the flag, Malik inspected the parade of para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Addressing the gathering, Malik said people need not be worried about their identity after the steps taken by the Centre.

He said the government has a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and sustained efforts by armed forces have ensured that terrorists have accepted their defeat.

There is a sharp decline in terror recruitment and incidents of stone-pelting after Friday prayers, he said.

Restrictions were put in place here in the wake of the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution.

Principal Secretary in the J-K administration Rohit Kansal had said restrictions were eased out in various parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, where peace prevailed on Wednesday.

He, however, said reasonable restrictions are put in place to maintain the law and order situation in the Valley.

The situation in Kashmir has remained calm since the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 as no major incidents have been reported and due to this, the government has further relaxed prohibitory orders in many areas, the officer had said.