The government on Tuesday filed acounter-affidavit in a petition by Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin in theSupreme Court, challenging alleged curb on media in Jammu and Kashmir after special status to the state was scrapped under Article 370 and it was divided into two Union Territories.

In the affidavit, the centre said there are no restrictions on movement of journalists in the region. "Regular press briefings andpress releases are being organised to disseminate information," thegovernment said.It said restrictions were imposed on communication lines to prevent spread of "rumors, fake propaganda, and activities that could disturb public order and tran quillity".

The government said the attempt to bring normalcy is being stalled by "separatist elements and militants". "There have beennumerous threats to common citizens from terror outfits threatening them fromresuming normal salubrious life in the Kashmir valley," the governmentsaid in the affidavit.Health services are functioning normally, it said, addingthere is sufficient stock of essential and life-saving drugs and other medicalrequirements in hospitals in the region.

Refuting this, advocate Meenakshi Arora, appearing on thebehalf of Ms Bhasin, told the court that people are not being able to accesshealthcare facilities in the region.

The top court admitted an intervention application filed bya group for media professionals. On this, the court told the centre to file anaffidavit and posted the matter for hearing on November 16.