By Amiya Kumar Kushwaha

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS): The Jammu and Kashmir administration has justified its decision to impose restrictions in the valley saying that relaxation may lead to an "extremely volatile" situation in the valley because threats to common citizens from terror outfits continue to prevail.

The administration cited a poster declaring an open threat.

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the J&K administration said: "There have been numerous threats to common citizens from terror outfits threatening them from resuming normal salubrious life in the Kashmir valley. Specifically, one poster containing an open threat by one terrorist outfit is pasted on a prominent place in Bandipora, which escalates the apprehension on the life and property."

The administration in its reply has not attached the photo considering the very nature and contents of the poster.

Jammu and Kashmir's response came on various petitions seeking relaxation in movement and communication in the valley. One of the petitions was filed by Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin who has sought relaxation of media movement in the valley.

If the restrictions are not imposed, there would have been an extremely volatile situation in the valley, the administration said adding that the district magistrates, senior police officials and state government are monitoring the situation daily and taking necessary action to maintain law and order and taking all possible steps to reduce inconvenience to the public.

The affidavit also said that certain groups have constantly engaged in attempts to disturb public order and tranquillity by indulging in provocative speeches, baseless rumours and inciting public with various motives. It also submitted that shops and markets in the state are open and doing usual business.

It said that the government has succeeded as not a single bullet has been fired till date and there has not been any loss of life on account of any police firing. The Jammu and Kashmir administration also said that the restrictions are only temporary in nature.

It also said that restrictions were imposed on internet and mobile phones to prevent dissemination of iniquitous and specious rumours, fake propaganda, misuse of social media sites and for preventing activities that could disturb public order and tranquillity.