New Delhi, Nov 20 (TIWN) Asserting that normalcy has returned to Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that not a single civilian was killed in police firing in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.

 Replying to Congress leader T. Subbarami Reddy''s question in the Rajya Sabha over restoration of normalcy in the valley, Shah reiterated that normalcy has returned in the valley, schools, colleges, shops and markets are open and the law and order situation is extremely normal.  About internet connectivity in the valley, Shah said: "As far as internet is concerned, its restoration will be carried out at an appropriate time on administration inputs. Currently, at 195 places e-connectivity zone has been created".  While Shah was providing a detailed report on the current scenario in the valley, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad countered his statements saying education is in a dismal state in the valley.  "Schools and colleges have been opened, but there is negligible attendance. There is no provision to ensure that students are able to commute from school to their homes safely," he said. 

Commenting over Shah''s arguments on snapping internet services, Azad said: "There has been threat from Pakistan for several years, there is nothing new about the situation. Then why such draconian measures? How will students continue their education without integral internet services?"  Replying to Azad''s query, Shah stressed that the government has to prioritise issues in view of the country''s security. "I agree that internet services are a necessity today but when it comes to the national security, the safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and our fight against terror, we need to prioritise our necessities, Shah said.  Nationalist Congress Party leader Majeed Menon asked the Home Minister to provide an estimate by when the situation in Kashmir will be restored to its normal state.

The minister replied, "The situation is normal only. Schools and colleges are open, the apple industry is recovering well and normal life has resumed in every way possible in the Valley."  Shah said that no civilian has been killed in Kashmir in police firing since abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. "Not a single person has died in police firing since August 5 in Jammu and Kashmir. There has been a dip in the incidents of stone pelting. All newspapers are in circulation, all TV channels are running and all banks are operational in Kashmir," said Shah.