‘45,000 killed, lakhs forced to leave homes due to terror’
*FDI, digital empowerment, new Startup every 2nd day
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Apr 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today that 45,000 people lost their lives and lakhs were forced to leave their homes and hearths in Kashmir due to neighbour-sponsored terrorism but the world is now seeing a rising Jammu and Kashmir post August 2019 changes brought in under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He made these remarks after inaugurating a Y20 Consultation meet on the theme ‘Peace building and reconciliation: Ushering in an era of no war’ at University of Jammu here.
“For decades together, India faced neighbour-sponsored terrorism. If you look at Jammu and Kashmir, there was discrimination with the people with Article 370 in place. As many as 45,000 lives were lost in terrorism. Lakhs of people were forced to leave their homes and hearts,” Sinha said in a reference towards Pakistan and migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley because of militancy. Click here to watch video
He said such was the terror ecosystem in place in Jammu and Kashmir that for decades aspirations of the people were crushed and society was demoralised.
“Even now attempts are being made through narco-terrorism to deprive youth of their energy,” he added.
However, the Lieutenant Governor said, after August 2019 changes, a new Jammu and Kashmir is rising under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After every second day, a new Startup is being registered, he added.
“Jammu and Kashmir received first Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Paperless and faceless public services are being delivered to the people. There has been digital empowerment,” Sinha said.
He also said that the youth are fearlessly pursuing their dreams and now, fundamental rights like education and healthcare are no longer hostage to violence.
“Today, Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a noticeable narrative on bringing civility to the land that was once scarred and wounded by terrorism. The biggest stakeholders of this new and aspiring Jammu and Kashmir are the youth,” he added.
The LG also shared the transformational journey of J-K in the last three years. “People, especially the youth, are fearlessly pursuing their dreams. Now, economic development, an important stimulus to aspirational society, and basic fundamental rights like education, healthcare, employment, and the pursuit of happiness are no longer hostage to violence,” he said.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu has been transformed into India’s education hub. It houses all the premier institutions like IIM, IIT, AIIMS, IIMC and central university, Sinha added.
On India’s peace initiatives, he said that India is one of the world’s largest contributors to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
“Since 1950, Indian soldiers have participated in 49 peacekeeping missions in different countries and even today more than 8,000 troops are serving in 10 UN missions. It is the testimony to our commitment to global peace and human welfare,” the LG said.
Speaking on India’s contribution to peace-building and peacekeeping, Sinha said, “India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will lead the world to effectively address broader aspects of security challenges that also include social, political, economic & environmental, with the spirit of One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
He said that youth power is the strength of J-K and they have dedicated themselves to rejuvenate the society and to drive inclusive development.
While highlighting the important role of the young generation in peace-building, he urged the youth to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda to build a global society based on trust and mutual respect.
“Youth is the most significant time to create civilised and cooperative world order with a spirit of oneness and they will offer new hope, innovative solutions to tackle the challenges to peace and sharpen social consciousness,” he said.
“I see youth bringing about reconciliation and shaping a new world for the good of citizens. Individual as well as society’s aspiration can be fulfilled only in conditions of peace and young generation is eager to create a peaceful and prosperous present and future for entire humanity,” the LG observed.
It is the responsibility of the youth to use their collective strength for development and upliftment of humanity. With common values, aspirations and commitment of selfless service, the youth will expand the horizons of peace, prosperity, friendship, cooperation and progress, he said.
The LG emphasized that the discussions during the Y20 consultation meet should draw an outline of future plans, with the spirit of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ (everyone should be happy and prosperous).
Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu and Ajay Kashyap, Convener Y20 Secretariat gave a brief background of the Y20 consultation meet.
Delegates from various countries and Universities of India, and youth representatives attended the Y20 Consultation meet.
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