Jammu, June 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the abrogation of Article 370 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the end of decades-long social discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a commemoration event on Sant Kabir Dass’s in Bishnah, he said that “no power in the world can reverse what was done on August 5, 2019.”
“It is true that Jammu and Kashmir has experienced long-standing social discrimination—even between citizens. This system prevailed for too long. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, with firm political will, ended this discrimination forever on August 5, 2019,” the LG said. “He not only unified India but also created a legal framework that ensures equal opportunities for all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to live a life of dignity and development.”
Sinha praised the Prime Minister’s decisive leadership in ensuring that “a dignified life and equal opportunity” is no longer a privilege but a right for every resident of the Union Territory.
“On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed firm political will and permanently ended the system of discrimination in J&K. Today, all citizens have equal opportunities to live with dignity,” Sinha declared, drawing applause from a packed auditorium.
Paying glowing tributes to Sant Kabir Das, the LG called him a living image of humanity, praising his teachings that cut across caste, religion, and social hierarchies. “Kabir is not just a saint; he is the essence of Indian spiritual consciousness,” he said. Quoting the saint’s verses, Sinha emphasised communal harmony, the dignity of labour, and internal purity as the guiding principles for modern society.
“Kabir Das Ji opposed ritualism and divisiveness and advocated for a life rooted in truth, simplicity, and unity,” the LG said. Highlighting his relevance today, he added, “Even now, for building social harmony, there is no better philosophy than Kabir’s.”
Calling upon the public to embody Kabir’s spirit, Sinha said, “If each of us takes just one teaching of Kabir into our life, we can build a better society and a stronger nation.”
The LG also touched upon the agricultural reforms and achievements in J&K, declaring the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) as a game-changer. “No other state in the country has a plan like HADP. Apart from the UT’s budget, ₹1,300 crore has been sanctioned and another ₹1,879 crore through the World Bank. These 29 interconnected projects will double the GDP contribution of agriculture and allied sectors,” he said.
J&K, once a milk-deficit region, now processes over 2.2 lakh litres of milk daily, he noted, underscoring progress in dairy, fisheries, horticulture, and fodder self-sufficiency. “Seventy percent of J&K’s population, or about 13 lakh families, depend on agriculture. The government has kept special provisions for 22,000 marginal farmers,” he added.
Addressing local demands raised by MLAs, Sinha assured consideration of a public holiday on Sant Kabir Jayanti, while clarifying that reservation in promotions remains a firm commitment of the Central Government.
Regarding West Pakistani refugees and PM-Kisan eligibility, he clarified, “Only those whose names are on the land records are eligible. The matter is beyond my jurisdiction, but you must raise it in the legislative assembly and fight democratically.”
Concluding his speech, the LG urged citizens to internalize Kabir’s teachings, uphold brotherhood, reject casteism, and continue working toward a united and developed Jammu and Kashmir. “Kabir Dass ji is not just history—he is our future. Let us walk his path with courage and clarity,” Sinha said, bowing with reverence to the legacy of the saint.
The event witnessed participation from Dr. Rajeev Bhagat, Member of Legislative Assembly, Bishnah; Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat, MLA Suchetgarh; prominent citizens, community leaders, and members of various organizations from across the region.
