Page:Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India and Ors.pdf/16

 *The learned Solicitor General submitted that the first and foremost duty of the State is to ensure security and protect the citizens­ their lives, limbs and property. He further submitted that the facts relied on by the Petitioners and the Intervenors were incorrect, as they did not have the correct information about the factual position on the ground in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. 16
 * The learned Solicitor General submitted that the historical background of the State of Jammu and Kashmir is necessary to be looked at to understand the measures taken by the State. The State has been a victim of both physical and digital cross border terrorism.
 * The abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution on 05.08.2019 was a historic step, which resulted not in the taking away of the rights of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, but conferment of rights upon them which they never had. Now, with the abrogation, 106 people friendly laws have become applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
 * The learned Solicitor General submitted that the Petitioners were incorrect to state that public movement was restricted. In fact, individual movement had never been restricted. Additionally, while schools were closed initially, they have now been reopened. Depending on the facts, circumstances and requirements of an area, restrictions were put in place which are now being relaxed gradually.
 * On the orders passed by the Magistrates under Section 144, Cr.P.C., in their respective jurisdictional areas, the learned Solicitor General submitted that they were best placed to know the situation on the ground, and then took their respective decisions accordingly. Currently, there is nearly hundred percent relaxation of restrictions. Restrictions were being relaxed on the basis of the threat perception. Restrictions were never imposed in the Ladakh region. This fact shows that there was application of mind while passing the orders by the officers on the ground, and that there was no general clampdown, as is being suggested by the Petitioners. *Further, the learned Solicitor General pointed to various figures to indicate that people were leading their ordinary lives in the State. He submitted that all newspapers,