Avtar Bhat
JAMMU/BANI (KATHUA), Apr 9: Giving all credit to Army in maintaining highest standards of discipline and conduct not only in containing terrorism but also in providing relief and undertaking rescue operations during natural calamites, Union Minister of State with Independent Charge for North Eastern States, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that entire nation feels proud of them for their role both in war as well as in peace.
In an informal chat with media persons here this morning before leaving for a one day tour of Bani in his Parliamentary constituency, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Army has performed a yeoman’s role during the last four -five days when flash floods lashed the Kashmir valley and their role is highly appreciable.
He said not only during this year’s flood but the role of army in rescuing the people of Valley during flash floods of September 2014 is highly commendable, who after playing with their own lives, tried to ensure that there should be a minimal loss of human lives.
“We are proud of Army which is not only the most disciplined force in the world as their services during peace time and disaster times are also appreciable. The Indian Army has time and again proved that they are not biased towards any one but perform their duties in the best services of their countrymen and nation’’, he added.
“Our Army is so trained in operations that they are never biased towards any one and this should be an eye opener for misguided youth of Kashmir, who are targeting them often but despite that our Army is not prejudicial towards any one to maintain the highest traditions”, Dr Jitendra Singh said. The behaviour of Army is most humane, he added.
Later addressing a mammoth public meeting at Bani, Dr Jitendra Singh said Chandragala tunnel will change the face of Bani and once the alternate Highway from Basohli to Doda-Bhaderwah is complete, Bani will emerge as the central – hallmark tourist destination in this circuit.
He said, Government of India has approved in principle the proposal for Chandragala tunnel to be constructed at a cost of over Rs. 3,500 crore, but the project will have to go through different phases of alignment survey, land demarcation, high-tech engineering skills etc.
After the work on tunnel starts, it may take nearly 15 years to complete, he said, but there will be a sense of satisfaction for him and the present team of concerned MLAs that they had contributed in pushing forward this proposal for overall development of the area.
Amidst thunderous applause from a cheering crowd, Dr Jitendra Singh announced that with the pending 13 road projects of Bani having been cleared by Government of India at a cost of Rs. 142 crore PMGSY roads and Rs10 crore Central Road Fund (CRF), there is no immediate pending road project, but if a demand comes, he will pursue more as well.
From his MPLAD fund, Dr Jitendra Singh said, an examination hall has been sanctioned for Machedi, a community hall at Dala Mati, a toilet complex at Jodawanti Mata and four class rooms in schools.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, today he was announcing more MPLAD fund for two foot bridges, two tractor roads and one more community hall. He also asked Bani MLA Jeevan Lal to send him a proposal for Kendriya Vidyalaya duly forwarded by State Government and he will take up the same at the Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Jeevan Lal was full of praise for Dr Jitendra Singh and said, within just 3 years, Bani is witnessing a sea – change in development activity which had come to a standstill before 2014. He said, the people of Bani feel deeply grateful for the dedication and selflessness with which Dr Jitendra Singh has followed up their priorities.
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