Pays obeisance at Mata Bhaderkali temple
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Oct 23: Maintaining that there is a discernable change in ground situation in Jammu & Kashmir with significant improvement in security scenario and terrorism “taking the last breath”, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today asserted that the day is not far away when the entire support structure of terrorism will be weeded out from the UT.
Addressing a function on the occasion of Maha Navmi organised by Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan Trust at Thalwal on outskirts of Jammu city today, Sinha said that the security situation has significantly improved in J&K and terrorism is “taking its last breath”.
The Lt Governor said “the Government is trying to create a conducive situation for your (displaced Pandits) permanent rehabilitation in Kashmir”. “Accommodations for employees belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community in Kashmir have been arranged, and allocation will be completed expeditiously, he said.
“The security situation is better than it was in the past. With confidence, I can say that terrorism is taking its last breath,” Sinha said.
He said the Government is planning to provide land on cheap rates to migrant employees serving in Kashmir valley to construct their houses there. The efforts are on to ensure proper security to the minority employees’ colonies in Kashmir and he had taken up this issue with Union Home Ministry which has assured full support, he added.
“Enhanced security measures will be implemented at these accommodations across Kashmir. A proposal has been submitted to the Home Ministry and we expect a prompt response leading to its implementation,” he said.
“We will ensure this arrangement is made promptly. My administration and office are open for the people of the community to address their genuine concerns,” he said and asked the community that they can meet these officers without any hesitation at any time.
“Sinha said that in the past, terrorists have targeted soft spots to instil fear within the community. “The neighbouring country is deliberately attempting to keep the pot of terrorism boiling in J-K. We are making every effort to ensure the security of vulnerable groups, including Kashmiri Pandits and minorities. The police and security forces are working tirelessly towards this goal,” he added.
Sinha, while recalling the role of Kashmiri Pandits, said the contribution of this community is enormous. He said during his studies in Banaras University, he came to know that without knowing Kashmir Shaivism one can’t know Lord Shiva.
Sinha, while paying obeisance to Mata Bhaderkali said that the scientists before throwing Chandrayaan into space also prayed to Mata Bhaderkali for success of their mission.
He said the facilities for package employees in the Valley have been improved and he has issued instructions to Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, K K Sidha to make the allotments of quarters which are ready in the Valley as people are facing hardships.
Sinha said the shortcomings in these colonies will be overcome. “Recently during my visit to Baramulla migrant colony where people were facing drinking water shortage I under the Jal Jeevan Mission made the drinking water arrangements for the inmates of the colony”, he added.
The LG said a Nodal Officer has been appointed in his Secretariat to address all the issues and concerns of Kashmiri Pandit community. He said, the members of the community can take up the issues with Divisional Commissioner, ADGP, IGP and concerned Deputy Commissioners and their issues will be taken up on priority.
Jammu-based Mata Bhaderkali temple, a replica of a temple located in Kupwara district of North Kashmir, celebrated Maha Navmi which was attended by LG Sinha and Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of Jammu.
The Lt Governor also performed Puja of Mata Bhaderkali on the occasion and announced that J&K administration to extend all necessary support to Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan Trust in its on -going construction work of temple which will be the replica of ancient temple situated in Handwara.
He appreciated the efforts of the Trust in building requisite facilities for pilgrims including socio-cultural centre and Shaheed Sthal to honour the martyrs of Kashmiri Pandit community, Army, Police and CRPF.
On the occasion, Sinha was felicitated by former Chief Vigilance Commissioner, (CVC), Kuldeep Khuda and senior KP leader, Moti Lal Malla on behalf of the Trust. The Lt Governor also made a reference to the demands put forth in the demand charter and said that these issues were also brought into his notice by a KP delegation which met him at Raj Bhawan here recently.
Earlier, while reading the memorandum on behalf of the community, former MLC and BJP spokesperson, Ajay Bharti demanded construction of road to newly constructed temple with a foot bridge. He while complimenting Government said many issues have been solved but stressed on filling the communication gap which still prevailed between Government and the community.
Bharti stressed on structured dialogue with community on the vital issues faced by it from time to time while appreciating the Government’s efforts on weeding out terrorism, removal of encroachments and renovation of temples and shrines.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Anand Jain, IGP Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, senior officers of Civil and Police Administration; members of Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan Trust and prominent citizens were present.
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