End of an era for conflict profiteers: LG

Srinagar, Aug 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that 30 years of conflict had produced a few conflict profiteers who filled their own coffers, sent their children to foreign countries and left poor kids to die on roads.
The LG also said that this year’s Amarnath Yatra was recording breaking as over 4.5 lakh pilgrims performed the pilgrimage.
Addressing a gathering at Rajbhawan, Srinagar after e-inaugurating the various projects for Budgam district, the Lieutenant Governor said that past 30 years of conflict in Kashmir had produced a few profiteers.
“These conflict profiteers filled their own coffers, sent their children to foreign for studies and left poor kids to die on roads. The shops of these conflict profiteers have been closed on August 5, 2019 forever,” the LG said, adding, “these few people are feeling the pain of peace and development in J&K. I want their pain to continue.”
These people, the LG said, misguided people on PMAY—home for the homeless and land for the landless as they can’t digest the prosperity of J&K. “Let their pain grow day by day,” he said without naming anyone.
About this year’s Amarnath Yatra, the LG said that this year a record number of over 4.5 lakh pilgrims visited the holy cave shrine of Baba Amarnathji. “Now these people have gone back to their respective states and villages. They will surely spread a word about the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir which ultimately will push more pilgrims into J&K,” the LG said.
In response to reporters’ queries, LG Sinha clarified that he didn’t intend to stay here forever. He further elaborated, “I haven’t come here to stay forever, but I am determined to create enduring memories of peace, prosperity, development, and economic stability. I aim to leave a mark that people will remember.” With a determined tone, he added, “Kuch aisa karkay jayeingay, loug yaad rakhain gay…” (I will do something that people will remember).
When questioned about the status of preparations for Local Bodies elections, the Lt. Governor affirmed that the polls for Local Bodies would be conducted as scheduled.
He also electronically inaugurated a range of developmental projects in Budgam district. During the inauguration, he emphasized the importance and historical significance of each town, highlighting their individual contributions to the region’s heritage and growth.
“Budgam has an airport, railway station and a great tourism potential which needs to be explored. Beerwah will come on tourism map shortly and become favourite destination of tourists,” the LG said, adding, Green Parks are coming up in the district while the administration will upgrade the airport, old bus stand and railway station as well.
Addressing the gathering at Raj Bhawan, the Lt Governor called upon public representatives, members of civil society, and the youth to collectively contribute to achieving the district’s developmental aspirations. He emphasized the nation’s advancement through innovative thinking and resolute action, noting that significant goals should be set and pursued with renewed vigour. He envisioned the realization of smart cities, smart towns, and Smart Villages, aligning with the national vision.
He lauded the District Administration’s initiative to honour Acharya Abhinav Gupt Ji through the development of infrastructure, facilities, and beautification of the Bairam Cave at Beerwah. This endeavor, characterized by the phrase ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’ (Development and Heritage Alike), exemplifies a multi-dimensional approach aimed at establishing Beerwah as a prominent tourist destination.
Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the District Development Council, expressed gratitude on behalf of Budgam’s residents for the UT Administration’s concerted efforts to bring development to the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor Sinha inaugurated Public and Children Parks around Charar-e-Sharief Shrine, renovation and beautification of Bairam Hill Cave at Beerwah, establishment of a Jogger’s Park at MC Chadoora, Water Supply Scheme at Harinoo, and a New Type Primary Health Centre in Choon.
Foundation stones were also laid for projects worth Rs 41 crore, including Transit Accommodation at Kakanmaran, New Bus Adda Chadoora, Modernization of DC Office Complex, Water Supply Scheme at Gundipora, Beerwah, and construction of 19 new Panchayat Ghars across Budgam.
The Lt Governor further engaged with the community by distributing sports kits to the youth of Budgam and smartphones along with smart kits to specially-abled children.
Present on the occasion included Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam; PRI members, youth, and a number of Budgam residents at the Raj Bhawan Auditorium.
—(KNO)