SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated on Tuesday that the impact of the past four years of development, efficient administration, transparency, and other initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir has led people to forget the significance of Article 370, rendering the region as the leading Union Territory across various domains.
“People in Jammu and Kashmir were made to believe that Article 370 held immense value, and its revocation would lead to their ruin and the seizure of their land. This misleading narrative led to confusion among the populace,” Sinha said to The Print.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that following the four years since Article 370 was abrogated, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir have observed progress, effective governance, transparency in operations, and numerous welfare measures such as Rs 5 lakh insurance scheme for every family, online services, and the Public Services Guarantee Act. These developments have positioned Jammu and Kashmir as a prominent Union Territory in various aspects. Sinha remarked, “People have forgotten what it (Article 370) was.”
He highlighted that the people of Kashmir have come to realise that their future is intertwined with India. “They have witnessed the conditions in the neighboring country (Pakistan), where food and facilities are scarce, and there’s an ongoing crisis. In contrast, India’s prestige and influence have grown under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This realisation has solidified the people’s commitment to India,” Sinha noted.
Dismissing the claims of demographic changes post the abrogation of the special status of the former Jammu and Kashmir state on August 5, 2019, as “propaganda,” he pointed out that even states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have restrictions on outsiders buying agricultural land, just like in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha stressed the significant decline in local recruitment of militants, indicating that youth who previously engaged with militants have recognized their errors and seek to reintegrate into mainstream society. The comprehensive approach of tackling the entire terrorism ecosystem has also influenced the attitudes of terrorism supporters.
He highlighted that while previously local youth were drawn to militancy under the influence of neighboring countries, now the recruitment of locals has dwindled, and foreign terrorists outnumber local ones in Kashmir. “The number of militants has greatly decreased. Local youth understand the situation. We are employing a 360-degree approach to restore peace,” he added.
Regarding the bill introduced in Parliament to nominate two Kashmiri Pandits, including a woman, and a refugee from Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PaK) to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sinha noted the provision in the Constitution that allows for the nomination of individuals without representation or those who have been excluded. Clarity will emerge once the bill passes in Parliament.
Addressing targeted killings, Sinha attributed these acts to the neighbor’s frustration due to the dismantling of the terror ecosystem and the elimination of top commanders of various militant groups. He acknowledged people’s expectations for security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and assured an in-depth investigation into all incidents.
On the challenges posed by drones and tunnels used by militants, Sinha revealed the utilization of anti-drone equipment and ongoing exploration of technology-based solutions. “Numerous drones have been intercepted or confiscated,” he mentioned.
Commenting on the Muharram procession taking place in Srinagar City after 34 years, Sinha commended the cooperation of the Shia community and the people of Kashmir in conducting a peaceful event.
Turning to industrial investment in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor anticipated proposals amounting to around Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 crore. He emphasised the establishment of a significant industrial unit by JSW in Kashmir and clarified that investment proposals span various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, cold storage, and more.
Regarding the conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha reiterated that the Election Commission would decide on the polls. He affirmed that both the Prime Minister and Home Minister have indicated in Parliament that after delimitation, elections would be held, followed by the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
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