Bilal Bashir Bhat
On the eve of fourth anniversary of abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in an interview with Doordarshan News said that besides the end of Violence and Bandh Calls, the citizens in Kashmir are now living in a free environment.
In an interview ‘Khaas Mulakat’ with DD News anchor Ms. Ramaa Tyaagi, the LG Manoj Sinha said the removal of Articles through parliament was a historical step by the Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi. He said the Bandh calls by terrorists, separatists, and neighboring country pre abrogations of articles are now history.
He said the educational institutions, medical colleges, IIT, IIM, NIFT, Highway projects, and other infrastructure development are other benefits of scrapping Articles.
He said earlier people were compelled to go home before dusk, now things have changed, now we have open markets till late at night. Youth enjoy musical programs on the bank of the Jehlum River.
He said peace can’t be purchased but a conducive atmosphere of peace, which clearly can be seen in Jammu and Kashmir as of now, adding, the transparency and people-oriented government has restored the trust of people.
He said last year some 1.28 crore tourists visited Kashmir, which ultimately helped the economy to grow, adding, the toll is expected to touch two crore next year.
He said that in Transparency we are par with other states, adding, with the launching of some 450 online services, the Jammu and Kashmir UT tops in the country on the e-services front.
On conducting the G20 meeting, LG said the meeting saw massive participation from the representatives of different countries. He said Srinagar was never so much captivating and beautiful in the last 30 years, adding, many countries following the G20 meet, lift the ban on their citizens visiting Kashmir. He said almost 99% of the people of the valley expressed happiness in organizing G20 meet in Kashmir.
He said today 35000 elected people of Jammu and Kashmir are taking decisions for the developmental and infrastructural front, unlike in the past which was limited to a few families. He said we have received 90% positive feedback from public circles.
He said that no person without a domicile is allowed to buy agricultural land in Jammu and Kashmir, adding for industries, hospitals, hotels, and medical colleges government is providing land which is welcomed by the people.
He said with maximum incentives, the Industrial Policy of Jammu and Kashmir is best among the rest of India. He said we are expecting 75 Thousand Crore industrial investment in Jammu and Kashmir, which will be beneficial for addressing the issue of unemployment.
Besides ensuring sustainable livelihoods and generating more income for producers, GI tagging will also play a key role in the protection of indigenous knowledge. It will help the particular geographical area to produce and sustain niche market products, the Lt Governor added.
Sinha said a dedicated portal of Mission Youth in collaboration with Vision India, to connect the youth of J&K with the industry will be on-boarded in the program for achieving the best outcomes for our enterprising youths.
He said not every developmental decision should be seen as politically motivated, five Marla’s land for the landless families of J&K and stated that about two lac homeless families are being provided homes in the Union Territory under Prime Minister’s Awas Yojna scheme.
He said without Kashmir Pandits, Kashmir is incomplete. He said the housing colony, under the Prime Minister’s development package (PMDP), is being constructed.
He said under the banner of Nasha Mukh Bharat, we have launched Nasha Mukh Panchayat to ensure every village is free from Drug Addiction and peddling.
Cinema has a sound relationship with Kashmir, we have formed the film policy following a threadbare discussion, adding 400 movies are already filmed in Kashmir so far in the last three years.
He said when the constitution was drafted, the great leaders of the nation including Sardar Patel, Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar, and others gave it thought that in case of any official indulged in anti-national activity, there should be a law to act, as such 3112 (C) was included and I have suspended such elected under the same provision.
Commenting on the conduct of elections, Manoj Sinha said it is ECI has to decide the date of the election, adding, we are ready to hold the election, but we have to wait for delimitation. He recalled that the Home Minister of India on the floor of parliament said that after delimitation and elections, Statehood will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said Amarnath ji Yatra is not just religious practice but reflects Kashmir’ rich culture and hospitality.
