‘Common man happy in J&K now’
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Aug 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that there is significant change in Kashmir now with peace returning which is crucial for the development and economy.
In his address to Samagra Awaas-Convergence under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) that was held at SKICC, the LG said that there used to be people who benefited from violence, making it their business, and as a result, they flourished, while the commoners suffered.
“But things have changed now. There is peace in Jammu and Kashmir now. It is crucial for development and the economy,” he said.
The LG said that J&K’s economy was shaped gradually and today “we have a stable economy.” “Many people ask what has changed in the past four years. Let me tell them that street violence is a history, Pakistan sponsored terrorism has almost ended, closure of schools, colleges and business for 150 days a year is also a history now,” he said, adding that “peace prevails across UT and youth could be seen enjoying night life after so many decades.”
Sinha said that there has been significant change in the situation in Kashmir during last few years. He said that the common man is not now living according to the dictates of separatists but as per his will.
“There were times when people preferred to be home by sundown, but now, youngsters are seen playing guitars, enjoying ice cream along the banks of River Jhelum, much like people in any other European country. This is the real change, and it is far from normal,” he added.
He said that the common people used to suffer due to street violence, shutdowns and militant dictates but he is now happy.
“The common people used to suffer more, but with the arrival of tourists, totalling 1.82 crore until recently, those associated with the tourism industry have flourished, whether it’s an auto driver, a taxi driver, or someone running a restaurant. The common man is happy,” he said.
The LG said that the hands of those who misguided J&K youth are drenched with blood of innocents. “J&K is full of talent and youth will shine in various fields,” he said, adding that he wishes to see massive participation of people in the upcoming Independence Day functions across J&K. “People were not given a chance to participate in I-Day functions earlier,” he said.
Sinha said that the Government has a clear policy that the innocents won’t be allowed to suffer and the culprits won’t be allowed to go free.
“The administration will not allow innocent people to suffer at any cost. At the same time, let me make it clear that those who harbour culprits will not be spared either,” he added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also released an e-compendium of transformational Digital Services and launched an AI- based Facial Recognition attendance application. He also flagged off Digi-Yatra under IEC activities.
In presence of Sinha, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between CSC e-Governance Service Ltd and IT Department for doorstep delivery of services through Digi-Dost.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; R K Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Prerna Puri, Commissioner Secretary, IT Department; Sanjay K Rakesh, MD & CEO of CSC e-Governance Service Ltd., senior officers of UT Administration and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present on the occasion.
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