Srinagar, Aug 03: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in his address, on Thursday unequivocally declared that double standards concerning terrorism must be discarded, emphasizing the imperative to label terrorist as a terrorist come what may. He further asserted that the time is ripe for conducting Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that terrorism has ruined J&K in the past.
“Some people acknowledge the detrimental impact of terrorism, violence, and separatism on Kashmir’s economy, which left the common populace in a state of vulnerability. However, there remains a hesitancy to unequivocally denounce a terrorist as a terrorist. It is these very individuals who have fomented an environment of terror within J&K,” LG said.
He further emphasized, “Double standards will no longer suffice. A terrorist must unambiguously be recognized as such.”
He said that those hesitating in calling an “atanqwadi a terrorist” are the people who would never want peace prevail in J&K.
Meanwhile, LG inaugurated various projects during his visit to Integrated Command and Control Centre at HMT, Zainakote.
Sinha said the peace has started to become a permanent feature in J&K after a long gap. “For the first time, 1.27 crore tourists have visited J&K in the first seven months of 2023. The figure is set to cross 2.25 crore by the year end. The LG said that gradually tourism infrastructure is being upgraded everywhere in the UT to provide best facilities to the guests.
He said that J&K was deprived of proper Panchayat raj system for decades together. “The system was set up for the first time in J&K to ensure governance at the grassroots level. I believe time has come when we should have Panchayat polls so that people reap the benefits of governance at their door steps right at their door steps once again,” he said.
The LG said that Srinagar is witnessing a major revamp and is set to become a major example of development shortly. “Some people who can’t digest the development of the city are even making non-issues an issue. Recently, heavy rainfall triggered some water logging and this was highlighted on social media. Roads were made in a way in Srinagar which always resulted in waterlogging during rainfall. It will take some time to address the issue as Srinagar is set to emerge as a model city,” he said, adding that he was hopeful to see the ongoing projects,” he said.
LG Sinha reiterated his longstanding stance that lasting development hinges upon the establishment of enduring peace. “I have consistently stressed this point since day one,” he affirmed, while also observing the evolving nightlife in the region.
“Presently, the youth and citizens are seen strolling late into the night, with guitars and ice creams in hand.’’
Sinhasaid the projects dedicated to the people today will strengthen core urban infrastructure, integrate technological tools for clean and sustainable environment and IT-based solutions to address the challenges to ensure quality of life to the citizens.
“The core of all the smart city projects is to enhance city’s liveability and to ensure that the development is sustainable and inclusive,” the Lt Governor said.
“Real-time Water Quality Monitoring System for River Jhelum and Dal lake; Real-time Noise Monitoring stations and systems for Srinagar City; integrated solid waste management and door to door collection monitoring system will improve smart city management,” he added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also inaugurated Srinagar Data Network (SD-Net), the 175 km underground City’s Fibre Optic Intra-Net under Srinagar Smart City. The Data Network project will make Srinagar a connected city, foster smart governance for the well-being of residents.
Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC said the inauguration of various initiatives of Srinagar Smart City today is another milestone towards developing Srinagar as a vibrant and sustainable city.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary impressed on Srinagar Smart City Ltd and all stakeholder departments to move ahead with a resolution to make Srinagar a more happening and modern city and chalk out modalities for a self-sustaining model of governance.
Athar Amir Khan, Commissioner SMC and CEO Srinagar Smart City gave a detailed overview of the key features of projects inaugurated today.
The Lt Governor also visited the network operations centre of the Integrated Command & Control Centre and took appraisal of the working of the centre.
Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, senior officers; representatives of Praja Foundation; members from trade fraternity and civil society were present on the occasion.
