Security forces have upper hand over terrorism in J&K: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Mar 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday said the security forces in the Union territory have an upper hand over terrorism sponsored by the neighbouring country.
Addressing the ‘Rising India Conclave’ organized by a News18 Media Group on Thursday, LG Sinha said security situation has largely improved in Jammu and Kashmir and security forces have upper hand in the region.
“None of the terrorist organizations have any top commanders left and all of them were neutralized by the security forces. Those days are gone when stones were thrown on the direction of neighbouring country,”he said.
LG Sinha said both crime rate and terrorism have witnessed a significant drop in J&K and a start-up ecosystem is taking over from the “separatist ecosystem”.
“Due to strike calls schools, colleges and universities would remain shut for months. Now there is big change and people want education institutions to run as per their academic calendar. Now markets are not shut and children are going to cinemas, he said.
LG Sinha also pointed out that since the abrogation of Article 370 sections, J&K has witnessed massive improvement in agriculture and allied sectors, overall economy, infrastructure, security, women’s empowerment, employment generation, education, tourism, etc.
“The saboteurs within the J&K administration are an old tradition. They are there, they have been there. We are trying to identify them and ousting them is an ongoing process,” he said.
Regarding flight operations, LG said after the J & K government decreased VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 26.5 percent to one percent.
“It increased air connectivity in the region and now 108 flights are operated from Srinagar airport instead of 36 earlier. Similarly from 7-8 flights daily at Jammu airport has increased to 44 respectively,” he said.
“Both terminals of Srinagar and Jammu airports are being constructed and if they are fully prepared; to start more international operations,” LG Sinha said.
LG said J&K had seen a new dawn of development after the abrogation of Article 370, with increased road connectivity, air connectivity, and development of railways infrastructure.
“August 5, 2019 was the eminent day in the history of India and under the vision of PM Narendra Modi, J&K is witnessing big change. Now the common man is also dreaming like those who live in other parts of the country,” he said.
LG Sinha said Union Territory (UT) witnessed economic growth of 14.64% and tax revenue was up by 31%, as 1.88 crore tourists visited the UT in the year 2022.
“After 30 years, Cinemas reopened in Kashmir and night bus services were resumed after 32 years. If you visit in the late evening, you will find people are enjoying Dal Lake,” he said, adding that the environment of J&K is not only changing but people are also feeling it.
The Lt. Governor said that an unprecedented 1.88 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2022 and hotels were fully occupied the entire year.
“When I visited J&K that first time 9029 projects were completed each year and in 2022 only, we have completed 50726 projects. Around 70000 projects will be completed along with transparency,” he said.
LG Sinha said that recently the J & K administration has made a high power committee of Agricultural Experts. Over 29 interventions have been proposed by the communities and we have approved those interventions in this year’s budget.
“In the upcoming 5 years, Rs 5013 Cr has been granted to implement those projects and it will boost the milk industry in J&K. It will also boost Apple, walnut, and saffron industry in the region, he said.
The Lt. Governor said that land Records in Jammu and Kashmir were not in good condition. Only 100 to 150 people were able to understand it and they (Patwaris) were more powerful than District collectors, he said.
“Raj of Patwaris has ended. Now we have digitized the land records and land passbooks that were given to people in three languages: Hindi, English and Urdu,” he said.
LG Governor also said around 13 lakh families that comprised 70 percent of the population are associated with Agriculture sector and allied activities
“2.62 lakh are marginal farmers and we are trying to empower them. The committee has worked hard and by this we are doing a great job,” he said.
LG Sinha said private investment in Jammu and Kashmir was only 14000 to 15000 Cr. Under the supervision of PM Modi, the new industrial policy was framed and many insensitive policies were given to investors, he said.
“People across the country, foreigners are also starting to invest in the region. Around 70000 Cr investment proposals have been received by the industrial department,” LG said, adding that 45 industries became operational last month.
“Each day a new industry is coming up in Jammu and Kashmir. On 19 March UAE’s Emaar Group, they will construct a mega mall, IT Tower in Srinagar and another IT Tower in Jammu City,” he said.
LG Sinha said with the help and Coordination of people of Jammu and Kashmir, by 2047, J&K will contribute equally like other parts of India.
” J-K is performing better than many other states, UTs in sectors like business, health, smart city projects, education, digitization, e-governance, infrastructure, connectivity, sports, innovation, startups, and energy,” he added.
LG Sinha said under the Digital J&K initiative, 445 online services are being provided through e-UNNAT portal. 225 e-services have been integrated with Rapid Assessment System for real time feedback on quality of service delivery.
“All the online services have been linked with the Public Service Guarantee Act in J&K.” he said adding that J&K is among first States and Union Territories to have District Good Governance Index for assessing the public service delivery at district level.
“The aspirational Panchayat Development Programme, Aspirational Block Development Programme and Aspirational Town Development Programme are the three new initiatives being implemented in UT,” he said.