Giving a slew of directions to bring normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370, the Supreme Court on Monday asked Centre to restore communication and other things in the valley while keeping in mind the national security.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi passed the order on a batch of petitions filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin and Tehseen Poonawalla challenging the shutdown in the J&K.

The court asked the Centre to make efforts so that normal functioning of schools and hospitals can be resumed.

The bench questioned the Attorney General as to why the communication is still shut down in Kashmir valley and for what reason.

AG responded by saying that all newspapers are getting published and the government has been offering all kinds of assistance to journalists in the state.

The court has also asked the Centre to put details of the restoration steps on an affidavit, adding that endeavours should be made to restore normalcy.

Centre also opposed Bhasin’s plea that no untoward incident has taken place in the valley since the 1990s,

AG told the bench that, “over 40,000 lives were lost in J&K since 1990. Separatists even received funding from the Pakistan High Commission,”

AG further added that there was a three-pronged attack on J&K administration before August 5.

“By separatists funding stone pelters, by terrorists from across the border and by businessman Zahoor Watali who was funding local militants,” AG said adding that not a single bullet has been fired in Jammu and Kashmir since restrictions were imposed in the state.

In a related development, the court also allowed former J&K CM and six-time MP Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla and Jammu to inquire about the plight of daily wagers who depend on tourism and fruit production. Azad says he would not indulge in any political activity or hold rallies in the state.

The bench has sought a report from the Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court on whether the High Court is accessible for litigants. The order has come to be passed on a plea filed by child rights activist Enakshi Ganguly alleging difficulty in accessing the High Court.

Hearing this plea, CJI said, “If there is need, then I myself would visit J & K.”

The bench also issued notice to the Centre on a habeas corpus petition filed by MDMK Rajya Sabha MP Vaiko seeking production of former Chief Minister of J&K Farooq Abdullah who is allegedly under detention.

The court will hear the matter again on September 30.