Kashmir to be connected through train next year
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that time has come to strike the last nail in the coffin of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir within a year from now to make peace a permanent feature of the region.
He made these remarks while addressing a gathering at SKICC on the banks of world famous Dal lake in Srinagar.
“Time has come when all of us will have to work together to cement peace. Within a year from now, we will push the last nail in the coffin of militancy and make peace a permanent feature of J&K,” he said adding that the security forces are working day in and out to cement peace in J&K.
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Sinha said that without peace, there can be no development in any part of the world. “Some people are wearing dark glasses and can’t see development taking place in J&K. Union Minister is on record in the Parliament that 1 crore tourists visited J&K this year. Srinagar airport saw 110 flights operating in a day while 44 flights operated from Jammu airport against the previous record of six flights a day,” he said.
The LG said that work on two AIIMS, Medical Colleges, Cancer hospital are in full swing. “Next year, Kashmir will be connected with the Kanyakumari through train,” he said.
He said that J&K has been the crown of India but some elements hatched conspiracies to destabilize the region and foment trouble. “We are committed to restore the last glory of the region. Today, in Pulwama, 10,000 youth are holding tri-colour in their hands. Same is the case with Shopian district and other districts of Kashmir. Some people are not able to see the change. This is happening without any coercion and by the will of youth,” he said.
The LG said that not a single civilian was killed in security force’s firing in the last three years. “We are following the policy of don’t touch innocent and don’t leave the culprit,” he said.
He said youth in Kashmir have changed. “Those who would hold stones in their hands are today participating in peace-building,” he said.
The LG e-inaugurated various projects on the occasion of Azadi Ka Maha Utsav-commemoration of 75 years of India’s Independence.
Addressing the function at SKICC, the Lt Governor said that the UT administration has been successful in building and rejuvenating Amrit Sarovars within the timelines and much more than the set target under the Mission Amrit Sarovar which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on the eve of National Panchayat Day at Panchayat Palli, Block Bari Brahmna, District Samba, UT of Jammu and Kashmir on 24th April 2022.
‘The pace of creation, rejuvenation of water bodies remains as quick to fulfil the PM’s vision of 75 Amrit Sarovar in each district’, he added.
Noting that 3444 sites have been identified and work started on 1500 Sarovars and 1000 Sarovars have been completed, the Sinha expressed his gratitude to all Stakeholders and common citizens for realizing the vision of the Prime Minister in this Amrit Kaal Khand.
Underling that our tradition and culture identifies water as a symbol of purity and life, the Lt Governor said that Amrit Sarovars will create a new environment of economic security and prosperity for the farmers and all those engaged in other activities as these rejuvenated water bodies will act as perennial sources of water for sustaining livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
He urged the PRI members to rejuvenate and develop more Amrit Sarovars in their respective districts, besides laying specific emphasis on the responsibility of the PRIs and administrative officers to ensure that rural development is well planned, with a balance of demand and supply and benefits percolating to all sections.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also highlighted unique initiatives of administration that have revolutionized the public service delivery in the UT and enhanced transparency and accountability in the system.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, congratulated the PRI members, members of Self Help Groups, and people of J&K for the new initiatives. He said that the government is making dedicated efforts for the better present and glorious future of the people of J&K.
The Chief Secretary also called for developing a mechanism bringing closer the government departments, PRI representatives & rural people. He also highlighted various schemes and programmes under which the UT of J&K has achieved 100% saturation.
Maneep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, in her welcome address threw light on the significance of the new initiatives which were initiated on the occasion.
She further informed that Self Help Groups has manufactured four lakh Flags for the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
Dr. Mohit Gera, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, said that the target of planting 1.5 cr saplings under Green J&K Drive will go a long way in benefiting the rejuvenation of Amrit Sarovars.
Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson Ganderbal; Sh Aftab Malik, DDC Chairperson Srinagar; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; R K Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary to the Government, Tribal Affairs Department, and CEO Mission Youth,; Dr Raghav Langer, Secretary Planning Department; Indu Kanwal Chib, Mission Director, JKRLM; Deputy Commissioners; PRI members; HoDs, senior officials and members of SHG groups were present on the occasion, in person and through virtual mode.
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