‘They now see their future with India’
*Charges of demographic change just propaganda
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 8: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today that people have forgotten what Article 370 was because of last four years development, good administration, transparency and other works in Jammu and Kashmir which have made it the Union Territory No. 1 in many sectors.
“People (of Jammu and Kashmir) were told that Article 370 was precious legacy and if it was abrogated they will be destroyed and their land will be snatched. A fake narrative was created leading to confusion among the people,” Sinha said in an interview with The Print.
However, he said, now after four years of abrogation of Article 370, people of Jammu and Kashmir have seen development, good administration, transparency in working, many welfare measures like Rs 5 lakh insurance for every family, online services, Public Services Guarantee Act etc making J&K UT No. 1 in many spheres.
“People have forgotten what it (Article 370) was,” Sinha remarked.
He said the people of Kashmir have realized that their future is with India.
“They have seen the situation in neighbouring country (Pakistan). They have no food, no facilities and a virtually crisis like conditions are prevailing there. On the other, India’s prestige and powers are increasing because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This has also helped and a realization has come among the people that their future is with India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Describing as “propaganda” the charges of demographic change following abrogation of special status of erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, he said even in Himalayan States like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, outsiders can’t buy agriculture land and same is the case in Jammu and Kashmir also.
Asserting that local recruitment of militants has drastically come down, Sinha said youth who worked with militants have realized their mistake and want to join mainstream. He added that targeting entire ecosystem of terror has also led to change of mind among supporters of the terrorism.
He said earlier the local youth used to join terrorism at the behest of neighbour, a reference towards Pakistan, but now the local recruitment has gone down and number of foreign terrorists is more than locals in Kashmir.
“Number of the militants is now very less. Local youth have understand the situation. We are working with 360 degrees approach to restore peace,” he added.
Replying to a question on a bill introduced in the Parliament on nomination of two Kashmiri Pandits including a woman and one Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) refugee to Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sinha said there is a provision in the Constitution that people with no representation or those who have been deprived can be nominated to the House.
However, he added, there will be clarity on the issue when the bill is passed in the Parliament.
On targeted killings, the Lieutenant Governor said the neighbour was frustrated due to destruction of terror ecosystem and elimination of all top militant commanders of several outfits.
“They indulge in such killings some time to show their presence. Moreover, there are expectations among the people that with Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs not even a single incident should take place. And, we are working in that direction. We are going into roots of all incidents,” he asserted.
On challenges posed by drones and tunnels (used by the militants), Sinha said they have some anti-drone equipments and more technology-based solutions are being looked into. “Many drones have been brought down while others have been seized”.
To a question on Muharram procession being taken out in Srinagar City for first time in 34 years, he hailed cooperation of Shia community as well as all other people of Kashmir in peaceful procession.
Responding to a question on industrial investment in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said the proposals are expected to be around Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 crore. He said major industrial unit of JSW will be set up in Kashmir and it’s wrong to say that investment proposals are confined to Jammu region.
“Proposals are coming in many sectors including Pharma, manufacturing, cold storage, Maals etc,” he added.
On conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, he reiterated his stand that the Election Commission has to take a call on the polls. He said the Prime Minister and Home Minister have made it clear in the Parliament that after delimitation, elections will be held in J&K followed by Statehood.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
