Amit Shah’s J & K Visit

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ended his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. In these three days he has sent a clear signal that New Delhi is committed to restore the normalcy in the Union Territory (UT) and this is possible only when the security apparatus is updated. His thrust on upgrading the surveillance technology on the border outposts and providing the comprehensive facilities for the deployed security personnel is appreciable as the jawans guarding the borders of the nation in Jammu and Kashmir have been rendering their services amid all odds. The situation becomes complex while dealing with Pakistan patronised cross- border terrorism as it has been indulging in a non –conventional asymmetrical war against India. This nefarious policy of Pakistan to destabilise the nation in Jammu and Kashmir has led to the sacrifices of the jawans to uphold the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India. The Home Minister’s thrust on addressing the concerns of the security forces is appreciable. He has gained first hand experience from the visit and this will surely lead to changes on ground in terms of intelligence gathering and then its usage for a concrete decision making and operational purposes. Amit Shah is known for his precision in decision making and his actions speak louder than words. His visit took place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit the UT and flag off the new train from Katra to Kashmir. His visit must be seen in that context too. His visit has generated the momentum for the same with his focus on developmental issues and the review of the policies in that direction. People were anxiously waiting that the Home Minister may address the issue of Kashmiri Pandits who were religiously cleansed in 1989-1990.This hope was generated as he visited the security personnel who had laid down their lives for the nation in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri Pandits are the victims of terrorism and are living as refugees in their own nation for more than 35 years now, waiting to reclaim their homeland in Kashmir. Kashmiri Pandit refugee settlement in Jagti and scattered Kashmiri Pandits in other areas were hoping that the Home Minister will address their issues but this time it seems that it was not on the agenda. It is hoped that in the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi their issue will be addressed and at least the Central Government will spell out some concrete policy for their return, rehabilitation and other issues that concern their lives in exile. Amit Shah’s visit has sent a strong signal that Jammu and Kashmir is national priority and New Delhi wants to develop a comprehensive mechanism that will bring the development in the UT at par with other UT’s and states of India. Successful Assembly Election and the restoration of the elected government has generated a new hope as the people’s issues are being discussed on the floor of the Assembly. It helps to smoothen the sharpened edges and generate a conviction among the people that they can decide their fate. It is also hoped that the process of the MLA’s that are to be nominated is catalysed and proper representation given to the people of eminence so that they can contribute to the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.