Srinagar, Aug 14: In a resounding testament to resilience and progress, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered an inspiring address on Monday, highlighting the remarkable transformation that Srinagar has undergone over the past four years.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the revamped Residency Road, Srinagar Square, Lal Chowk and Clock Tower.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly established Srinagar Square, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded the city’s emergence as a symbol of hope, development, and unity, transcending its tumultuous history.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha acknowledged the dark chapter of conflict that had once overshadowed Srinagar’s potential and emphasized that it was the common citizens who bore the brunt of the strife that ensued. While acknowledging that a few might have benefited from the conflict, he underscored that the majority of ordinary Kashmiris had endured its hardships. However, Sinha’s words resonated with unwavering confidence as he shared the heartwarming progress the city had achieved.
“When our country became independent and holy book ‘Constitution of India’ was scripted by our forefathers for future guidance, the biggest objective was to fulfill the promises of freedom fighters of reaching to the last man in queue with all the benefits. It didn’t happen in J&K. Certain elements had weaponised the secessionist ideology and J&K suffered inequality, discrimination for decades,” the Lt Governor said.
“We have ended the discrimination and inequality under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. J&K UT has marched a great distance forward in the last 3-4 years and a new ecosystem was created to ensure a far greater prosperity for our people,” he said.
“From Vitasta to Ganga, Shehr-e-Khaas to Banaras, Lal Chowk to Lal Qila, there is just one heart beat. The transformation of J&K reminds us that Unity in Diversity is our biggest strength and with peace, love, harmony, brotherhood and stability, great goals can be achieved, the impossible can be made possible,” the Lt Governor added.
Highlighting significant landmarks like Polo View, Riverfront, and Lal Chowk, Sinha vividly illustrated how these areas had transformed from their war-torn appearance four years ago to vibrant, bustling centers today.
“With a sense of pride,” the Lieutenant Governor revealed that streets once scarred by violence and unrest were now brimming with the exuberance of youth and children who proudly waved the national flag. This vibrant display of unity and patriotism encapsulates the exceptional progress that Kashmir has achieved.
Furthermore, Sinha spotlighted the resurgence of development and peace, pointing out that roads which were once shut due to unrest are now teeming with life and activity. The city’s success story has not gone unnoticed, with Srinagar being hailed as a model of effective governance and progress.
Expressing gratitude towards the citizens of Srinagar, who remained cooperative and supportive despite inconveniences during the execution of developmental projects, Sinha commended the commitment and dedication of officials of Srinagar Smart City Ltd, all the workers, agencies engaged in the redevelopment projects inaugurated today and dedicated the renovated prime commercial, tourism and heritage hubs under Srinagar Smart City Ltd to the citizens and business fraternity.
On the global stage, the Lieutenant Governor proudly shared that the Indian passport had garnered newfound respect internationally. Holding an Indian passport now symbolizes honour, underscoring the nation’s rising stature on the world platform.
R K Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Sh Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; senior officers of Civil and Police administration, officials of Srinagar Smart City Limited, members of Lal Chowk Traders Association and PHD Chamber of Commerce and people in large number were present
