Geneva, Mar 22: M K Ajatshatru Singh, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former minister, lauded the Government of India’s decisive move to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, this historic decision rectified the enduring injustice faced by the people of the region over the past seven decades.
Addressing the United Nations, the senior BJP leader remarked, “Since the constitutional reforms in 2019, there has been a significant reduction in terrorist incidents in the region. From 2004 to 2014, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a total of 7,217 terrorist incidents. However, due to the reforms, terrorist incidents have declined by over 70%. This improvement underscores the efficacy of the government’s actions in restoring peace and stability to the region.”
“Furthermore, on the socio-economic front, the decrease in poverty in Jammu and Kashmir from 40.45% in 2005-2006 to a mere 2.81% in 2022-2023 is evidence of the effective utilization of development funds. The recent interim budget for 2024 allocated a substantial $14 billion for Jammu and Kashmir, further showcasing the government’s dedication to the region’s prosperity,” he elaborated.
Ajatshatru said that over the past nine years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable revolution in infrastructure development, including the establishment of new medical colleges, tunnels, railway lines, and civic infrastructure. These advancements, he said, have been achieved while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region.
However, he acknowledged that not all parts of Jammu and Kashmir have experienced equal benefits. “Recent protests in regions under Pakistani occupation underscore the growing awareness of economic disparities compared to those under Indian administration,” he said.
As the son of Dr Karan Singh, the titular king of undivided Jammu and Kashmir, and the grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh, he expressed deep concern for the plight of those living under Pakistani occupation.
The former minister appealed to the United Nations to take concrete steps in line with Security Council resolutions to alleviate the situation faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani occupation. He stressed the importance of the international community addressing their grievances and ensuring the upholding of their fundamental rights.
