JAMMU, Feb 20: In a resounding address at the jam-packed MAM Stadium in Jammu on Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that the decision to abrogate Article 370 has alleviated decades-old grievances, propelling Jammu and Kashmir towards rapid development.
“Common people are now enjoying nightlife in Kashmir. Cinemas and restaurants remain functional during evenings. Youth with guitars are spending time late at night on Jhelum river fronts and time is not far when people of Jammu will spend time on the Tawi river,” Sinha said.
He said today with the active support of Modi ji, J&K is on the path of peace and development.
“There is 75 per cent decline in the terrorism-related incidents and all the top commanders of terror outfits have been sent (to hell). Stone pelting is a history and local terrorist recruitment is at an all-time low,” he said.
He said that gone are the days when people from the neighbouring country would issue protest and hartal calendars.
“Instead, we are now issuing calendars for education and recruitment. Markets, schools, and universities now remain open throughout the year,” Sinha said.
He said that gone are the days when people from the neighbouring country would issue protest and hartal calendars.
“Instead, we are now issuing calendars for education and recruitment. Markets, schools, and universities now remain open throughout the year,” Sinha said.
Addressing a massive crowd at Moulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, with PM Modi was on the stage, the LG said that post August 5, 2019, terrorism, separatism and injustice has ended forever.
“I welcome the modern architect of Jammu and Kashmir — Prime Minister Narendra Modi — to the city of temples. Due to strong and bold decision taken on August 5, 2019 by the prime minister, Jammu and Kashmir is freed from seven-decade-long pain, discrimination, terrorism, separatism and corruption,” he said.
Sinha underscored that the revocation of Article 370 ensured rights for all sections of society previously marginalised, including women, West Pak Refugees (WPR), PoK displaced people, Valmikis, safai karamcharis, Paharis, and other neglected segments.
Highlighting the significant strides in security, Sinha declared that terrorism has nearly been eradicated from the region, leading Jammu and Kashmir onto the trajectory of progress. He noted the elimination of top commanders from various terrorist organizations and the absence of hartal calendars issued by neighbouring countries as evidence of this transformation.
The Lieutenant Governor credited the peaceful environment in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation for allowing residents to pursue their dreams freely.
Sinha highlighted that approximately 1.25 crore deprived sections of society have benefited from the social justice initiatives following the revocation of Article 370.
Giving reasons for postponing panchayat elections in the UT, he said, “The polls would have been conducted but there was a reservation pending for the Pahari community. They have been given their rights without touching the rights and reservation of of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities now.”
Sharing the development journey of J&K under PM Modi, he said that on April 24, 2022, the PM had come to Palli (Samba) and laid the foundation and inaugurated projects worth Rs 21,000 crore.
“Today, the foundation and inauguration of projects worth 32,000 crores have been done by the prime minister. I think such things have been done probably for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. In the next four months, projects worth Rs 20,000 crore will be completed. By 2025, projects worth Rs 60,000 crore launched by the prime minister will be completed,” he added.
Furthermore, LG Manoj Sinha commended the active participation of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir in various national campaigns initiated by the government, including “Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra”, “Azadi ke Amrit Mahotsav”, and “Har Ghar Tiranga”. This enthusiastic involvement underscores the region’s commitment to the national vision of progress and unity, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and collective endeavor.
The event also showcased the remarkable progress achieved in the industrialization drive underway in Jammu and Kashmir, with investment proposals exceeding Rs 90,182 crore. The government’s focus on generating employment opportunities for the youth has borne fruit, with over 8 lakh individuals provided with self-employment opportunities, thus addressing the aspirations of the younger generation.
LG Manoj Sinha further highlighted the strides made in enhancing public services, with the number of e-services expanding from 40 to over 1100, thereby ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
