Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s maiden visit to Jammu Kashmir is significant as the erstwhile state has witnessed massive transformation and development in these three years after 370 abrogation. Since 2019 Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed many firsts. The connectivity of projects, the tourism bloom has made much difference – the initiatives taken by centre that a common kashmiri could have never imagined made a special mention of Govt’s outreach programmes. This all has been possible by the efforts of centre, Jammu kashmir youth and especially the outreach process by HM himself under the guidance and directions of Prime Minister. Union Home Ministry has been very successful in rewriting J&K’s history and that is a reason, Union Home minster is receiving a huge appreciation from the youth of Jammu & Kashmir especially valley for bringing democracy at grass root level.
This is his second visit to Jammu & Kashmir post 370 abrogation. Home minister is meeting several delegations in Jammu and in Kashmir. In his first visit in oct 2021 post abrogation he drove straight to meet the family members of the slain police officer killed in terrorist attack and gave a Govt job to the widow of Parvaiz Ahmad (slain police officer). Whenever he is in valley, he visits slain police man’s family. In June 2019, he visited Karan Nagar to offer condolences to the bereaved family of Irshad Ahmad (Slain SHO). Home Minister has personally monitored kashmir situation ever since he assumed his charge as union Home minister – This shows the love, care affection and apnapan union government has towards Kashmir and Kashmiris.
His visit to Baramullah Kashmir scheduled on Oct 05, 2022 is seen as a positive step. He will talk about several issues with the people of Kashmir in the rally and highlight various things regarding development in Jammu and Kashmir and what central government is doing on various fronts for the development of J&K. According to sources there are many other developmental works which the Home Minister will inaugurate or will lay a foundation stone, including a cancer hospital which the wakf board has planned in the downtown area of Srinagar. According to Kashmir BJP unit, there is a chance that Shah may announce some reservations for the Pahadi community or OBC. People in Jammu and kashmir are keenly waiting for Home ministers visit. Shah will address people at Rajouri and Baramulla. Pahadi community hold a strong influence at both locations.
It’s a matter of fact that with the abrogation of 35A and 370, not only were the links between the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh strengthened with the rest of India, but the local government administration became more responsive and people friendly. The mantra of development became the buzzword and stone pelting became history. Terrorism sponsored by Pakistan reduced considerably. But now Jammu & Kashmir is on a path of real progress and recently we saw opening of cinema theatres in Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian for the first time. If we talk about development In terms of connectivity, five tunnels are being constructed in the UT at the cost of US$ 3.42 million. These are expected to be completed by 2024. In October 2020, construction work began on the Zozila Tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity on NH-1 between Srinagar Valley and Leh. Talk about the funds, besides the regular flow of funds under various schemes, an amount of Rs 30,757 crore had been allocated in the Financial Year (FY) 2020-21. Under the Prime Minister’s development package announced in 2015, Rs 80,068 crores continued to be spent for 63 major development projects (54 in J&K and 9 in Ladakh) across sectors such as road, power, health, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, skill development, etc. Over 1.05 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir in the first six months of the year 2022.
In nutshell Jammu Kashmir is on real path of development and progress, and Home Minister’s visit has a significant role. Social media is flooded with posts and reactions from young youth who see Home Ministers visit as hope for Naya Kashmir. Youth are eagerly waiting for some big announcements from Home Minister.
(The writer is from Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir, he can be reached at [email protected])
