Security agencies dismantling ecosystem that aids, abets terrorism in JK: LG

 

 

Jammu, Jan 26: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said security agencies have launched a final assault on terrorism and its eco-system to ensure everlasting peace in the Union Territory.

Addressing the Republic Day gathering at Moulana Azad Stadium Jammu, LG Sinha said sustained efforts of our security agencies have resulted in a marked decrease in terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The security grid has been strengthened and anti-terror operations have been intensified through direct attacks on the ecosystem that supports and finances terror,” he said.

LG Sinha said last year, 180 terrorists were neutralized, or there has been a corresponding reduction of 55% in civilian killings and 58% in the martyrdom of security forces. 

“I want to tell those involved in the barbaric killings of innocents at the behest of the neighboring country that we will avenge every drop of blood and tears”, he said.

He said the G-20 meeting being held in Jammu and Kashmir in May this year is a message to the enemies of humanity who were attacking the interests of our citizens through cowardly acts of terrorism for decades.

“ Jammu and Kashmir is the life blood of India. It is the guiding lamp of the civilization and eternal sound of our social consciousness,” he said.

LG Sinha said under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Jammu and Kashmir is standing tall with self-confidence, encompassing the great heritage and cultural values of the world’s largest republic. 

“Today, J&K is marching forward on the path to progress. I urge every section of the society to come forward and make the G-20 an inclusive event,” he said.

He said that Jammu and Kashmir is not just a geographical entity but a vibrant and radiant ecosystem, where different faiths are the guiding force of inclusive culture.

“Jammu and Kashmir is a rhythmic dialogue of social, cultural values, plurality and tolerance. It is the aura of self-confident India. Harmukh, Amarnath, Pir Panjal and Trikuta Hills are the highest peaks of our spiritual heritage.

“The waves of Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi rivers reflect the essence of our intellectual and spiritual experiences. Since times immemorial the spiritual energy and blessings of MataVaishno Devi, Sudh Mahadev, Budha Amarnath have guided our society,” he said.

In the Amrit Kaal, we have resolved to accelerate and broaden the developmental process in agriculture and allied sectors. Private investment proposals worth ₹66,000 crore have been received within a period of around one year, during which 1,455 industrial units started their operations. This is, by far, the biggest industrial campaign in the history of J&K in a year,” Sinha said.

He said the foundation stone of Emaar Group shopping mall and IT Tower would be laid in March and 52 other industrial units would also start their operations in the same month. “Land has been allotted to 1,711 industrial units which is also a new record in the industrial history of J&K. Another 77 industrial units are being developed on private land,” he added.

Sinha said that for decades, the development and aspirations of common people were held hostage by “exploitative and anti-developmental” land laws.

“Over the last two years, land owners have been empowered through a series of land reforms. Legal action is being taken against influential people who had illegally encroached upon the government land,” he said.

The LG said the people are at the centre of governance. “We have ensured that the interests of common citizens are protected and that they are not impacted by the campaign to remove illegal encroachments. We have been successful to a great extent in curbing corruption by issuing land passbooks in three languages.”

He said that so far, 28 lakh such passbooks have been distributed, and revenue records are being demystified for eliminating the possibility of manipulation.

Similarly, the new land-use laws have ensured that people get a reasonable and fair price for their land and the interest of farmers are protected, he said.

The LG Manoj Sinha said the UT administration is trying to solve the problems of Kashmiri Pandits with the utmost sensitivity. Their safety is our topmost priority, he said.

“All PM package and minority employees working in the Kashmir valley have been deployed at safe places. A nodal officer has been appointed in the Raj Bhavan and in every district to resolve issues related to their security and other problems,” he said.

The LG said the long-standing issue of availability of land for their accommodations has been resolved, and construction of 3000 accommodations for our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters shall be completed this year. 

“On 20h of January, the foundation stone of another residential colony has been laid in Zevan, Srinagar, which shall resolve the problem of accommodation for employees posted in Srinagar city,” he said.

LG Manoj Sinha said all pending promotions of employees appointed under PM Package have been cleared and the issue of promotions from non-gazetted to gazetted category has been forwarded to the Public Service Commission. 

“The Kashmir Migrant Portal, which was launched in September last year for registering grievances for illegally encroached properties during the 1990s, has registered 8408 applications and action has been taken on 6336 applications, resulting in removal of encroachment on2608 kanals of land.

“Although recruitment under the Prime Minister’s Package and reserved categories is on the strength Kashmir Division cadre, the issue of their transfer is being examined by an empowered committee,” he said.

He said that for the first time, J&K will have a Women Industrial Estate while promotions of almost 2000 officers that didn’t take place since 2001 are being cleared. The LG said that the special focus of the administration is on the youth as J&K’s 70 per cent economy is dependent on agriculture.