‘Govt committed to dignified return of KPs’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 16: The “jungle raj” in Jammu and Kashmir ended on the “eve of 2020” and the grassroots level democracy was strengthened in the Union Territory by conduct of violence-free District Development council (DDC) elections, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said yesterday.
Referring to the Centre’s decision to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state, Sinha said in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir.
“The grass-roots democracy has been strengthened, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. With the spirit of Kashmiriyat i.E. Taking along all religions and creeds on development odyssey, we are achieving new milestones,” Sinha said in his Independence Day speech at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket stadium here.
He said the ‘Vajpayee principle of Jamhooriyat’ was not allowed to flourish on the ground for decades in Jammu and Kashmir and there was a famous “collectorate tradition of democracy”.
Sinha said in 2019, the Prime Minister marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir.
“But, the eve of 2020 ended this ‘Jungle Raj’ and the entire Jammu and Kashmir participated in the fair, transparent and violence-free elections of DDC,” he said.
The Centre had on August 5, 2019, ended the J-K’s special status under Article 370 and bifurcated the state into Union Territories.
The LG paid tributes to the brave soldiers of Army, paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police “who have kept the unity, integrity of India intact with their amazing valour, courage and sacrifice”.
“I am proud that Jammu and Kashmir Police has received 257 gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day.
“I salute all the gallant heroes of Jammu and Kashmir Police. I also salute the family members of the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives while defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country,” he said.
Sinha announced that the administration has decided that various places and institutions will be christened in the memory of freedom fighters, brave soldiers and personalities from different fields who have made invaluable contribution in the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This will inspire the coming generations to become their worthy successors. I am sure that the stories of those who have made sacrifices for this elixir of freedom will awaken a new and re-energised Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The memories of Maqbool Sherwani, Brigadier Rajendra Singh, Deputy SP Ayub Pandit, Inspector Arshad Khan, Sub Inspector Altaf Ahmed, Mali Begum, Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, Lassa Kaul, Kanta Wazir and that of Sarvanand Kaul Premi, Dinanath Adim, Constable Yasin Tali, Lt Umar Fayaz, Mohammad Deen Jagir, Punjab Singh, Padma Sachdev, Mahmuda Shah, Deputy SP Aman Thakur, Deputy SP Manjit Singh and all such people will be revived in the coming days, he said.
Sinha said it is the administration’s goal to make Jammu and Kashmir synonymous with success.
“The next 25 years of Jammu and Kashmir are awaiting us with a new ray of hope and a fresh resolution for a new future,” he said.
The LG said Independence Day-2021 is special for Jammu and Kashmir and the entire country because the celebration, resolve, energy and enthusiasm of today’s new generation will shape the formidable base for the centenary celebration of Independence in 2047.
“In our ancient tradition, the 75th year is considered to be the time of trendsetter. It is the day of new determination. We must ponder what we have achieved in the past and what zenith we have to take Jammu and Kashmir to in the coming 25 years,” he said.
Sinha said J&K administration is committed to ensure a dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.
He said considerable progress has been made on providing transit accommodation and jobs to Kashmiri Pandit migrants in the valley under the Prime Minister’s Development Package.
“Government is committed to ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit brothers,” Sinha said.
“We have made a considerable progress in fulfilling the promise of providing 6,000 transit accommodation and providing 6,000 jobs to the Kashmiri migrant community under the Prime Minister’s Development Package,” he added.
The construction of 849 transit accommodation has been completed and the work on 1,376 others is underway, he said.
Transfer of 278 kanals (14 hectares) of land was approved for 2,744 additional flats last month, he added.
“Out of the second installment of 3,000 posts, 841 posts have already been filled. On the eve of Independence Day, we have declared the result of 997 posts. I congratulate all the successful candidates. The result for additional 1,000 posts will be notified within a month following the verification process,” Sinha said.
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