Ashiq Hussain

Reviews security, vows to strengthen local self governance in state

Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reviewed governance issues in Jammu and Kashmir and promised to bring peace to the region by “strengthening the institutions of local self governance”.

Home minister Rajnath Singh chairs a review meeting in Srinagar n on Thursday. Jammu and Kashmir governor NN Vohra and national security advisor Ajit Doval could also be seen.

“The solution to problems lies in empowerment of the people and strengthening the institutions of local self governance,” he said in a series of tweets.

This was Singh’s first visit to the state after the imposition of governor’s rule last month.

Singh also discussed the security and Amarnath Yatra management, and implementation of development programmes, at a meeting with governor NN Vohra and state administration officials at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.

“Development and good governance had remained elusive for the common people of Jammu and Kashmir. We are committed to take all possible measures that will bring accountability, transparency and good governance in the system,” he tweeted.

Singh had arrived here on Wednesday along with national security advisor Ajit Doval, Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, Jammu and Kashmir joint secretary Gyanesh Kumar, and other ministry officials.

The state came under governor’s rule on June 20, after the BJP pulled out of its coalition government with the PDP. The state assembly, whose term will end in 2020, remains in suspended animation. There have been reports of revolt by a section of PDP legislators against party president Mehbooba Mufti in an effort to form an alternative government.

Singh said the Centre aims to instil hope of a better future among Kashmiris. “With renewed focus on good governance and development, the Centre is looking forward to kindle new aspirations and hopes amongst the people of the State.”

He said the dream of a developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir can be realised only when there is normalcy. “It is our firm resolve to bring peace, stability and prosperity through an honest, effective and efficient administration,” he said.

The state is currently being administrated by governor Vohra, his three advisors – BB Vyas, Vijay Kumar and Khurshid Ahmad Ganai – and chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam.

A government spokesman said that the governor assured the home minister that the state administration is taking every step required to ensure against any delay in the implementation of development programmes, eradication of corruption; and redressal of public grievances.

Chief Secretary updated Singh on the implementation status of major developmental projects being executed by the central and state agencies.

Advisor Vijay Kumar informed about the overall law and order situation and framework put in place for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. Singh minister left for Delhi in the afternoon.

Earlier, Singh was scheduled to visit Amarnath cave but could not due to bad weather.

Ashiq Hussain ashiq.hussain@htlive.com

Courtesy: Hindustan Times: 6 Jul 2018