From J&K’s soil, PM declares: ‘Na Khaoonga, Na Khanay Doonga’
Announces Rs 8000 cr for roads, waives off Rs 60 cr
New Mantra of 3Ps for Ladakh Parkash, Paryavaran, Paryatan
Sanjeev Pargal/Fayaz Bukhari
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Aug 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today charged neighbouring Pakistan with launching proxy war against India after realizing that it has lost the strength to fight conventional war with it and said the troops have suffered more casualties in the proxy war than a full fledged war.
Modi’s frontal attack on Pakistan came during his address to Indian Air Force and Army officers and jawans at Leh Garrison, his first assignment on one day tour of the border districts of Leh and Kargil today during which he addressed two massive rallies, laid foundation of 375 kilometers long Leh-Kargil-Srinagar Transmission Line, which was expected to cost Rs 1800 crores and dedicated to the nation two power projects including Nimoo Bazgo hydro power station located in Leh, which contained 3 units of 15 mw each totaling 45 mw and Chutak at Kargil containing 4 units of 11 mw each totaling 44 mw.
The Transmission Line, a dream project envisaged by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in 2003 and abandoned by subsequent Governments, included 226/66 KV sub stations at Drass, Kargil, Leh and Khalsti.
In his three major addresses today at Leh Garrison, Polo Ground Leh and Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium Kargil, Modi declared war against corruption saying the menace (of corruption) has assumed alarming proportions in the country and the States and has to be curbed very effectively.
Though Modi didn’t name any particular State, his remarks assumed significance as they were made in Jammu and Kashmir within days after new BJP president Amit Shah had said that J&K Government has crossed all limits of corruption and that Abdullah dynasty had ruined Jammu and Kashmir.
Taking another dig, the Prime Minister lamented that 20 per cent people in Jammu and Kashmir were displaced.
“There are two lakh displaced refugees from West Pakistan, one lakh from Chhamb, four lakh Kashmiri Pandits and another 8 to 10 lakh have been displaced due to militancy. They all are our brothers. We should be worried about them. They are living for India. I assure all migrants that they are our brothers and their worries are our worries. Their development will be our job,” the Prime Minister declared.
He announced Rs 8000 crores additional amount for construction of Jammu and Kashmir roads and Highways and waived off Rs 60 crore worth loan the State owed to the Centre through Food Corporation of India.
Modi took a dig at the previous Governments saying earlier the Prime Minister used to visit Jammu and Kashmir once in 10 years and “now here is a Prime Minister before you, who has come to the State second time in little over a month, which indicated how much importance we are giving to it”. Worthwhile to mention here that Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit Kargil after Atal Behari Vajpayee, who had visited the border district after India’s victory over Pakistan in 1999 Kargil war. However, Dr Manmohan Singh had visited Leh in 2010 after cloudburst.
Giving new slogan of` 3 Ps for development of Ladakh region including `parkash (light), paryavaran (environment) and paryatan (tourism)’, Modi said his Government was committed to develop the region in all spheres by connecting it with road, rail and air in all weather conditions and providing jobs and skill development to unemployed youth.
Referring to massive crowds, which turned up at Polo Ground Leh and Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium Kargil, Modi said he was a rare person to have addressed such huge rallies in the two small towns of Leh and Kargil and announced that he would do whatever possible for the two districts for their development. He said the energy which the Government was giving to the two districts in the form of hydro-electric projects and transmission line would transform lives of people as it would bring small and medium industries and other opportunities giving sources of livelihood to the locals for which they had to go to outside earlier.
During his address to IAF and Army officers and jawans in the presence of Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, the Prime Minister accused the neighbouring country of continuing proxy war of terrorism against India, saying it has lost the strength to fight a conventional war with India.
In his first direct attack on Pakistan after coming to power, Modi accused it of indulging in a proxy war killing innocent people in India and said the number of Army casualties is bigger this way than in a conventional battle.
“It is unfortunate that our neighbour’s attitude has not changed. They have lost the power to fight a war but they use proxy war. There has been a process of killing innocent people through this proxy war.
“How many innocents are being killed? The number of people getting killed through the bullets of cowards is more than those killed in conventional wars,” he said.
The sharp attack on Pakistan by Modi came more than two months after assuming office and comes in the midst of his peace initiatives. Modi had invited Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other SAARC leaders for his swearing-in on May 26.
His remarks also came close on the heels of India’s mounting concerns over repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan and increasing number of militant attacks in Kashmir, the latest carried out last night on a BSF convoy at Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, leaving eight personnel including an officer injured.
“They fight proxy war. This is (fight against it) not limited to India but of the entire world. That is why the need of the hour is to have humane forces come together than strengthening one’s military might. When all humane forces of the world come together than they will stop those indulging in violence,” he said. Modi also spoke of modernisation of Army and the decision to allow FDI in defence sector
“Army should not face resource crunch. Indian should become self sufficient in production of safety equipment. Why should we get safety equipment from abroad? Why can’t we make them here? We have FDI in defence.
“Why should we get technology from outside? We have engineers, technical staff and skilled people. The need of the hour is to plan how to utilise foreign funds in the best way. How to make safety equipment in the best way? We are going ahead in this direction in a systematic way and I am confident we will do what we want,” he said.
The Prime Minister also referred to the difficulties faced by the troops going home on holiday without reservation in trains, suffering from lack of funds for healthcare of their parents and inability to get admission of their children in good schools.
“But when it comes to the call of duty, the jawan is always willing to take on the enemies despite hardships faced back home. He does not recall that doctor who refused to operate his mother, the school that refused to give admission to his child or about the difficult train travel,” he said.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to resume Foreign Secretary level talks on August 24 and cricketing ties in December this year, which had been stopped after 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.
Noting that terrorism has become a global problem, Modi said all humanitarian forces of the world should unite to fight it. “India is committed to strengthening and uniting these humanitarian forces,” he added.
India was also committed to strong armed forces, well-equipped with modern arms and technology.
“The jawans should be assured that the entire country supports them, the Prime Minister stressed.
He said the soldiers remained undeterred inspite of the many negatives and struggles that their families face in day-to-day life and this energy and sense of duty inspires him and, therefore, he keeps visiting jawans on the border to seek inspiration.
“Whether a soldier’s mother is treated properly by a doctor or not. Whether his son gets admission in a good school or not. The soldier forgets all these things and serves the country but it becomes out duty to pat the jawan and ensures that he gets his due,” Modi said, adding the decision of the new Government for `one rank one pension’ in the budget might have pleased the soldiers.
Modi promised the troops that a National War Memorial would be built that would inspire future generations of India.
He also told the defence personnel that the Government is committed to making India self-reliant in defence manufacturing.
Citing the Kargil infiltration, about which the first information was given by a shepherd named Tashi Namgyal, he said the country’s armed forces deployed in border areas are well-connected with the people who live there. “It was due to this Army-public relationship that a shepherd broke the news of Pakistan Army’s infiltration into Kargil heights, which ultimately led to India’s victory in Kargil war,” he added.
Modi interacted with the troops and wrote in the visitor’s book that peace and security are a pre-requisite for development.
The Prime Minister in his Kargil rally held out the assurance that his Government was committed to the welfare of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, refugees from West Pakistan, Chhamb and kin of those killed in terrorist violence.
“See the condition of Jammu and Kashmir where 20 per cent of the population is displaced. We want to settle these displaced people and give them opportunity of their livelihood,” Modi said.
His statement comes amidst growing unrest among West Pakistan, PoK, Chhamb and other refugees, putting up in Jammu region, who had pinned lot of hopes on Modi led BJP Government but were dejected a lot after they found nothing for them in the budget.
The Prime Minister said the Centre was committed to include this 20 per cent population becoming a party in changing the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir.
“More than 2 lakh displaced are refugees from West Pakistan, over one lakh displaced are from Chhamb. More than 4 lakh are Kashmiri Pandits and over eight to ten lakh are those who lost their families in terrorist attacks. These are also our brothers and sisters and we have to think about them,” he said.
He said the Governments in the past have shown apathy towards ensuring that these 20 lakh displaced people live a life of dignity and self-respect.
“Now those days have gone. Whatever kind of displaced people are there from Jammu and Kashmir, they are our brothers and sisters and our family. Their joys and sorrows are ours. Their development is our determination and we will move forward on this through a number of schemes,” he said.
“We will do whatever it takes to do it and we are determined for that,” he declared.
Modi said the Government would provide Rs 8,000 crore additional funding for pending road projects in Jammu and Kashmir, which would change the shape of roads and National Highways in the country. He announced that this assistance is additional amount and would go a long way in improving road connectivity in the State.
The Prime Minister also announced that he during his day’s hectic schedule, the Prime Minister inaugurated Nimoo Bazgo and Chutak hydro-electric project in Leh and Kargil district respectively and laid foundation stone of Leh-Kargil-Srinagar transmission system.
The Prime Minister underlined his Government’s resolve to fight graft which has “ruined” the country and the States.
“Corruption is troubling us. People are angry. I assure that we will fight corruption and work with all those against graft. Corruption has ruined the country. I promise that we will fight against corruption with full might,” he declared
Modi said his mantra was “Na khaunga, na khane doonga (neither will I take bribe, nor will I allow anyone to take bribe).”
Modi said the Government is willing to take along all anti-corruption forces, political parties and its leaders and honest officer in its fight to end graft.
“There are also honest officers. We will work with them too. If we win the fight against corruption we will win battle against poverty,” he said.
“I am fortunate to have worked for the party organisation in Jammu and Kashmir. I used to visit the State often. I know the problems people face and most importantly I know the strength of this land,” he said recalling the days he had lived in Leh and Kargil as RSS and BJP leader and worker adding that the people of the two districts are very well known for their hospitality.
Modi said such was the love and affection showered on him by the people of Ladakh that even his simple written message read during an election rally for Lok Sabha polls in Leh was heard by thousands of people.
Without mentioning the first ever victory of BJP from Ladakh seat in Lok Sabha election, Modi said the love and affection bestowed upon them by the people would be returned with “interest” i.e. development of the area. In an indirect reference for upcoming Assembly elections, he hoped that the people would continue to shower similar love on them.
Dressed in traditional Ladakhi attire, Modi said Government will do its best to bring a ‘kesar’ (saffron) revolution in Jammu and Kashmir giving impetus to its production.
“We need to bring a saffron revolution that is giving impetus to kesar. Special attention should be placed to farmers,” he said.
“We have put Leh at the focus of our solar energy initiatives. We have to connect every corner of the country through power, rail, road and telecommunication,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said development must be such that it positively transforms the lives of the common people.
“We have kept Ladakh at the centre of our solar energy policy. Now you will not live on borrowed power. You will live on your own solar powered electricity,” he said.
He said Government is planning special projects including large-scale organic farming for the development of all Himalayan States including Jammu and Kashmir.
Modi recalled his visit to Kargil during the 1999 war and said gunfire was heard in those days, whereas now he can hear the sound of people clapping.
He said the people of Kargil had supported the Indian armed forces during the war and he still recalled the excitement and patriotic fervour in the town when Tiger Hill was won.
“Today the people here wish to join the development mainstream,” he said.
The Prime Minister said through hydropower, the rivers are being harnessed for the benefit of the people in the mountains and electricity was not just for industry but would also help the youths in these areas to find suitable employment without having to migrate to urban areas.
He said the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar Transmission Line would boost education and employment opportunities in Kargil and wished to make Kargil one of the fastest growing districts in the country.
The Prime Minister said development is the sole solution to all problems and development is his Government’s priority. He stressed that maximum stress is being given to employment of youth.
In this context, Modi spoke of Pashmina, saffron cultivation and value addition in apple cultivation. He said there is no dearth of funds for development.
“We have kept Ladakh at the centre of our solar energy policy. Now you will not live on borrowed power. You will live on your own solar powered electricity,” he said amidst thundering applause from the people.
The Prime Minister said Ladakh has tremendous potential for solar energy and his Government is committed to developing a solar energy park here. He said Ladakh would soon produce all its energy needs. (swayam prakashit roshni).
Stressing on infrastructure for the nation’s development, the Prime Minister said he wants to connect all parts of the country through rail, road, telephone, power. He said his idea of development was to bring about a change in the lives of common people.
Talking about development strategy of Himalayan States, he said the natural resources of this area can help build a development model for the entire country. The Government is committed to boosting tourism in all parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir.
Modi said a series of announcements for development of the Himalayan States have been made in the budget. These include organic farming – for which the Government will provide a global market, which will boost the incomes of farmers in rural areas. A research institute for conservation of the natural and environmental resources of the Himalayas would be established, he added.
He said saffron cultivation would be given a big boost in the State. A new unit for saffron will be established in Spices Development Board for this purpose.
Saying Pashmina is the pride of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said a special scheme will be launched to enhance the skill of Pashmina producers and craftsmen.
The Prime Minister said 4 important road projects were conceived for the state in Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure. However, these projects witnessed cost escalation, which neither the Centre nor the State was willing to bear. He said the additional amount of Rs 8000 crore announced by him today will cover these projects.
He said his Government is committed to providing power and water, not just for industries, but also to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people, and help in skill development of the youth. In this context he said, there is no dearth of funds for development, but a lot of funds are lost in corruption.
The Prime Minister said it is time to change the old adage “paani aur jawaani pahaad ke kaam nahin aate” (water and youth are of no use for mountains). He said through hydropower, the rivers (paani) are being harnessed for the benefit of the mountains. And electricity was not just for industry – but would also help the youth of the mountains hone their skills and find suitable employment, without having to migrate to urban areas.
Meanwhile, opening of Kailash Mansarovar yatra route from Ladakh, royalty in hydro power projects and a multi-purpose tunnel through Khardongla were some of the demands put forth by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council before the Prime Minister in Leh today.
Council Chairman Rigzin Spalbar met Modi and presented him a memorandum listing out demands of the Ladakh region besides seeking a one-time grant of Rs 200 crore for development works in the region by the Council.
The Prime Minister assured Spalbar that he would look into all the demands put forth by the Council.
Demanding mega solar projects of 5000 mw and 2500 mw in the region, the Council also demanded a 12.5 per cent royalty in favour of the Council on the hydro projects.
The Council said these projects will acquire huge chunks of land from eastern Ladakh region where population is dependent on animal husbandry thus having a negative impact on the livelihood of the people.
“…The project is also expected to affect the fragile ecosystem. In light of the above, LAHDC, Leh demands a royalty of 12.5 per cent to compensate the loss of grazing land and livelihood of the local population,” the memorandum said.
On the opening of new Yatra route to Mansarovar from here, the Council said, “Demchok in Ladakh provides the easiest and the safest access to Kailash Mansarovar. From here pilgrims can approach the holy mountain and the sacred lake in two days. This would also give the much needed fillip to the local economy,” the memorandum said.
Demanding opening of cross-border trade links with China, the Council said opening of Demchok for cross-border trade on the pattern of Nathu-la pass in Sikkim will not only boost the regional economy but would go a long way in fostering Sino-Indian relations.
To tackle problem of unemployment among educated women in the region, the Council said a battalion of Ladakhi women, who easily adapt to the harsh high altitude environs, can be created in the army and paramilitary forces.
The Council also demanded necessary directions to Army and ITBP to ease the movements of nomads along the border and restrictions on development works.
“This is leading to strong resentment against the Army and ITBP by inhabitants of border areas as they are already fed up with the repeated incursion of PLA and unnecessary restrictions put up by our own Army to use our own land,” the memorandum said.
The Council also sought Modi’s intervention in getting constructed an airport terminal building here on which Indian Air Force has raised an objection besides construction of a separate civilian airport here.
It also sought construction of a multi-purpose tunnel through Khardongla Pass which would benefit the locals as well the army in cost savings on many fronts.
The water from the north side of Khardangla will help tackle severe water shortage of Leh for irrigation as well drinking purposes besides the tunnel can also be used for telecommunication and power grid lines.
The Council also said work could not start on construction of a ‘dharmshala’ in Dwarka, Delhi on the 1266 square meter land allotted to it in 2006 as the civic body demanded over Rs 24 crore for it which is beyond the means of the Council.
Demanding a high altitude sports institute, he said such an institute will not only benefit the local populace, but also will be of great benefit for Olympics, Asian games and other international event preparations.
It demanded an all weather road from Korzok in Ladakh to Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.
The Council said a Central University on the lines of the one established in Jammu and Srinagar besides better telecommunication network is needed.
It demanded extension of the transmission line to Nubra Valley which will hugely benefit the local populace as well the Army establishment there.
The Council also sought a National High Altitude Research Centre, arrangement of fresh vegetable in winter through the army and funds for drains blocked due to the 2010 flash floods.
It sought a package of Rs 16.28 crore lakhs on account of the liability incurred for organising Kalachakara 2014, affiliation of SNM Hospital with Government medical colleges in Jammu and Srinagar.
The Council also demanded inclusion of Bhoti language, spoken and written in the Himalayan region, in the eighth schedule of the Constitution.
“The Bhoti script has been developed on the basis of the Devnagri script of 4th century and is rich in literature which spans from medicine, astrology, logic, history, philosophy, tantra, yoga, arts, drama, music etc. We have been repeatedly representing that Bhoti should be included in the eight schedule of Constitution,” the memorandum said.
The Council also demanded creation of 409 posts of Bhoti teachers under a special package from the Centre.
In his tour to Leh and Kargil, Modi was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Power (Independent charge) Piyush Goel, Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy National Security Advisor Ajit Dovel, BJP leaders Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Avinash Rai Khanna, Tarun Vijay, all Rajya Sabha members, Ladakh MP (BJP) Thupstan Chhewang, Urban Development Minister and MLA Leh Nawang Rigzin Jora, Union Power Secretary PK Sinha, Power Grid CMD RN Nair and other prominent dignitaries.
Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag welcomed the Prime Minister at Leh Garrison. Gen Suhag, who was on three days visit of Leh and Siachen Glacier also returned to New Delhi this evening. The Prime Minister flew back to New Delhi in the afternoon.
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