‘NC manifesto aimed at reviving terrorism’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 8: BJP national general secretary Incharge Jammu and Kashmir Tarun Chugh today said the BJP Government has successfully curtailed terrorism leading to a notable reduction in terrorist activities while the youth have moved away from stone pelting and are now being engaged in technology and development projects.
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He said the National Conference manifesto appears to be a strategy to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and is aimed at appearing radical elements rather than promotion development. It focuses on strengthening ties with Pakistan, he added.
In an interview to the Excelsior, Chugh said the BJP has been approaching the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir with focus on development and security:
Following are excerpts of the interview:
Q: What key issues BJP is focusing on to seek votes in the J&K Assembly elections?
A: One of our primary focuses has been restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We have successfully curtailed terrorism, leading to a notable reduction in terrorist activities. The youth have moved away from stone-pelting and are now engaging in technology and development projects. The high voter turnout in the last Lok Sabha elections clearly showed that people have returned to normal life, moving past boycotts and bandhs.
Jammu and Kashmir is now thriving as a tourism hub, with citizens actively participating in the democratic process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision has cultivated trust and spurred development in the region. As we look ahead to the Assembly elections, we are concentrating on key issues such as the restoration of Statehood, economic growth and regional security. Our commitment is to build a brighter future for the region by addressing these crucial concerns.
Q: How confident are you that the BJP will secure power in the 90-member Assembly?
A: Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the BJP is confident it will make history by transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a global tourism hub and a key driver of Indian tourism. The current ground situation strongly favors the BJP, posing a significant challenge to the traditional feudal parties of the Abdullahs, Muftis and Congress. This trend was evident in the last Lok Sabha elections, where both the National Conference and PDP experienced a sharp decline in their vote shares.
BJP workers are highly motivated, as the Modi Government’s development policies have brought about dramatic changes in Jammu and Kashmir, a region once plagued by terrorism, corruption, and violence. The remarkable transition from terrorism to tourism has ushered in a new era of progress and development. These factors are expected to lead to favorable results for the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Q: Do you believe the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) will negatively affect the BJP’s electoral performance?
A: Not at all. In fact, the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) has led to a significant positive transformation in Jammu and Kashmir. It has opened new avenues for progress and development, ushering in a new era for the region. Prior to this change, these provisions primarily benefited the Abdullahs and Muftis, enriching themselves while depriving the people of much-needed development. Now that Article 370 is a thing of the past, the people are expressing their gratitude to the Modi government for this historic and transformative decision.
Q: What has been the positive impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on J&K?
A: The abrogation of Article 370 has been transformative. It has fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, allowing Central laws and reforms to be implemented effectively. This includes the establishment of Panchayati Raj, which has brought democracy to the grassroots level, and better social justice with reservations for marginalized groups like SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Q: The NC manifesto promises the restoration of Article 370. What is your position on this?
A: The NC’s manifesto appears to be a strategy to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at appeasing radical elements rather than promoting development and progress. It focuses on strengthening ties with Pakistan and providing comfort to terrorists, rather than addressing the real needs of the people. The National Conference seems confused about its stance, with the Abdullah family making grand promises about Article 370 while simultaneously suggesting it could take up to 100 years to restore it. This contradictory stance only serves to mislead and deceive the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q: What is BJP’s approach for the J&K Assembly elections?
A: The BJP is approaching these elections with a focus on development and security. We have made significant progress in the past years, and our ‘Sankalp Patra’ (manifesto) lays out a comprehensive plan for the future of Jammu and Kashmir. We believe that our vision for prosperity will resonate with the voters, ensuring continued progress in the region.
Q: What are the highlights of the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ (manifesto) for J&K?
A: BJP’s Sankalp Patra focuses on eradicating terrorism and promoting social and economic development. Key promises include women’s empowerment through financial aid, creating 5 lakh jobs under the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana, and offering educational reforms with allowances for students. We are also committed to improving infrastructure, tourism, and social welfare programs like healthcare and pensions for vulnerable populations.
Q: Can you clarify the Central Government’s claims of having reduced terrorism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir?
A: Since 2019, there has been a 75% reduction in terrorism. Stone-pelting incidents and organized strikes have decreased significantly, particularly after 2022. Our Government’s firm approach to security has led to a drastic reduction in border shelling and militant activities, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Q: What are the BJP’s plans for women’s empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir?
A: Women’s empowerment is a core focus of our manifesto. We will introduce the Maa Samman Yojana, which provides Rs 18,000 per year to the senior-most woman in each household. Additionally, we will offer two free LPG cylinders annually under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana and provide financial support to SHGs to promote self-reliance and financial security for women.
Q: How does the BJP plan to address unemployment, improve education and advance infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir?
A: Employment generation is a top priority for us. Through the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana, we aim to create 5 lakh new jobs and support students preparing for competitive exams with allowances and coaching fee reimbursements. In terms of education, we will enhance access by providing tablets and laptops to students in remote areas and adding 1,000 new seats in Government Medical Colleges to ensure quality education. Regarding infrastructure, our ambitious plans include building 10,000 km of new rural roads, implementing metro projects in Jammu and Srinagar, developing the Tawi Riverfront, establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Jammu to boost IT and business, and enhancing tourism by transforming Dal lake and promoting water sports.
Q: How does the BJP plan to support MSMEs, small traders, affordable healthcare, social welfare, and farmers in Jammu and Kashmir?
A: The BJP is committed to bolstering the economy and welfare systems in Jammu and Kashmir through a multi-faceted approach. For MSMEs and small traders, we will address key issues such as land access and public utilities for 7,000 MSME units and regularize lease deeds for small traders to ensure sustainable business growth. In healthcare and social welfare, we will expand programs by tripling pensions for old-age citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities to Rs 3,000 per month and increasing healthcare coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme by an additional Rs 2 lakh, making healthcare more accessible and affordable. For farmers, we will enhance the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to Rs 10,000 annually and reduce electricity tariffs for agricultural activities by up to 50% to support their livelihoods and boost agricultural productivity.
Q: What is the BJP’s approach to the rehabilitation of displaced communities like Kashmiri Pandits, and overall vision for Jammu and Kashmir moving forward?
A: The BJP prioritizes the rehabilitation of displaced communities, including Kashmiri Pandits, through the Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana, which will ensure their safe return and integration. We will also expedite the rehabilitation of West Pakistan refugees and other neglected communities such as the Valmikis and Gorkhas, providing them with the benefits and protection they deserve.
Our overarching vision for Jammu and Kashmir is to transform the region into a beacon of development, peace, and prosperity. By eradicating terrorism, fostering communal harmony, and driving economic growth, we aim to create a thriving Jammu and Kashmir that aligns with the broader goal of a Viksit Bharat, ensuring progress and upliftment for every citizen.
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