Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 22: Senior leader of BJP and former Minister Ajatshatru Singh commended the Government of India’s (GoI’s) bold decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, saying this historic move corrected the longstanding injustice endured by the people of the region over the past seven decades.
In his address at UN, the senior BJP leader said, “Since the constitutional reforms in 2019, there has been a significant decline in terrorist incidents in the region. From 2004 to 2014, J&K experienced a total of 7,217 terrorist incidents. However, thanks to the reforms, terror incidents have decreased by over 70%. This improvement underscores the effectiveness of the Government’s actions in restoring peace and stability to the region.”
“Moreover, on the socio-economic front, the reduction of poverty in J&K from 40.45% in 2005-2006 to a mere 2.81% in 2022-2023 is a testament to the optimal utilization of development funds. The recent interim budget for 2024 allocated a substantial $14 billion for J&K, further demonstrating the Government’s commitment to the region’s prosperity,” he added.
Ajatshatru said over the past nine years, J&K has witnessed a remarkable revolution in infrastructure development, including the establishment of new medical colleges, tunnels, railway lines, and civic infrastructure. These advancements have been achieved while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region, he added.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that not all parts of J&K have benefited equally. “Recent protests in regions under Pakistani occupation highlight the growing awareness of economic disparities compared to those under Indian administration,” he said and expressed deep concern for the plight of those living under Pakistani occupation.
The former Minister appealed the United Nations to take concrete steps in accordance with Security Council resolutions to ameliorate the situation faced by the people of J&K under Pakistani occupation. It is imperative that the international community addresses their grievances and ensures their fundamental rights are upheld, he concluded.
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