Society has to be united, courageous to fight those promoting terror- LG

Sanjeev Pargal

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that the society has to be united, courageous and disciplined to fight against those who are promoting, justifying or condoning terrorism as he declared that the Government is committed to stamp out terror and ecosystem.

He announced that after a long wait of decades, refugees from West Pakistan living in parts of Jammu region will be given land ownership rights and expressed the Government’s resolve to resettle and ensure welfare of minority community and Kashmiri Pandit families.

Calling upon every generation to come together and support the Government in building Jammu and Kashmir of their dreams, Sinha in his Republic Day address at MA Stadium here yesterday, said: “Let us build J&K where youth get equal opportunities and where women-led development paves the pathways for unprecedented economic growth and social stability. Let us move into a new future with unity, peace and commitment to write a new destiny of Jammu and Kashmir’’.

He said for sustainable development, our society has to be united, courageous and disciplined to fight against those who are promoting, justifying or condoning terrorism.

“We need to foil the efforts of terror ecosystem which is trying to draw sustenance and support from individuals or groups. We must isolate such elements who are using double standards to justify terror acts,’’ the Lieutenant Governor said.

Asserting that efforts are going on for the final assault on terrorism, its ecosystem and unholy proxy war being sponsored by a neighbouring country, Sinha said: “We have tried to create a new Jammu and Kashmir which has the power, strength of spirituality, modern and scientific facilities and response’’.

He paid homage to police, Army and paramilitary personnel who laid down their lives for security of the nation.

“While remembering their sacrifices, we reiterate our commitment to stamp out terrorism and its ecosystem from the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. I congratulate the police forces who have bagged 113 gallantry medals—highest among other forces. The fight of police against terrorism is exemplary,’’ the Lieutenant Governor said.

He announced that West Pakistani refugees residing in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts will be given land ownership rights after a long wait of decades.

“Apart from the families coming from West Pakistan, refugees who have been victims of discrimination in Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) and Chhamb for decades, are now recognized as citizens of this great nation and they are being provided equal rights and legal privileges,’’ Sinha said.

He also stated that the J&K administration is fully committed to the resettlement and welfare of minority communities and Kashmiri Pandit families. During current fiscal year, construction of a total of 3000 houses will be completed. All pending promotions have been approved.

“In Kashmir valley, all PM Package and minority community employees have been stationed at secure locations. Nodal Officers have been appointed in every district and Raj Bhavan to address their security and other issues,’’ he said.

Maintaining that industrial revolution has been sweeping Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said investment proposals of Rs 90,182 crore have been received so far which will directly provide employment opportunities to more than four lakh people.

He added that after 2019, industrial investment of over Rs 12,000 crore has either been realized on the ground or is in the pipeline. Forty six new Industrial Estates are being developed to fulfill the goal of ‘Made in Jammu and Kashmir’.

Sinha said attempts are being made to mislead our Gujjar Bakerwal brothers and those trying to do so are enemies of the nation’s unity and integrity.

“Some nefarious elements with vested interests attempted to provoke sentiments of the Gujjar Bakerwal brothers regarding reservations. I want to assure the entire community that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we shall strive continuously to provide you with all facilities including reservations to improve your standard of living and making you self-reliant,’’ he added.

The Lieutenant Governor said almost 4 million people from the UT participated in the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ campaign, setting a new record, which concluded on January 26.

Sinha underlined the significance of the successful G20 conclave and said, “It has showcased to the world Jammu and Kashmir’s economic strength, business potential, cultural richness and tourism opportunities. On the other side, it has given a befitting reply to enemies of humanity and sponsors of terrorism.”

The LG pointed out the region’s victories over various challenges in the last five years, emphasizing the goal of creating a new social setup for the younger generation.

“The major resolution of 2024 is to create a new social setup for the younger generation. The new society will give impetus to India in knowledge, skill and infrastructure to secure its place among the developed nations,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor further said during the last four years, there has been a sea change in all aspects, particularly in social setup and economic empowerment. “It has proved that impossible is possible here”, he said.

Jammu and Kashmir, the LG said, has become one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, registering a remarkable 35 per cent increase in the current year and surpassing the national average.

“Excise and stamp revenues have shown impressive growth rates of 30 and 11 per cent respectively”, he said.

Highlighting the financial turnaround, Sinha said, “The Jammu and Kashmir Bank, which was in loss before 2019, has a profit of Rs 1,200 crore today. The NPA has gone down from 11 to 4.8 per cent.”

He further said 34 lakh individuals have been registered on the portal for employment opportunities.

Regarding the power of grassroots democracy, the LG said, “The true power lies in the Panchayat Raj Systems.”

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to holding elections for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, highlighting the recent Constitutional changes to ensure reservation for backward communities.

Providing a glimpse of the economic empowerment initiatives, Sinha said, “As many as 94,680 youths of Jammu and Kashmir have been granted financial support of Rs 1,384 crore for entrepreneurship initiative.”

He stressed the need for youths to become job providers, contributing to the strengthening of the region’s economy.

Sinha shared the Government’s success in self-employment, offering opportunities to 8 lakh people, and providing Government jobs to over 33 thousand youth. The recruitment process to fill over 12 thousand vacancies is currently underway, he added.

He further said efforts are being made to transform Jammu and Kashmir into an industrial and tourism hub. “We are moving forward in Jammu and Kashmir, a power destination in all of its sectors”, he added.

The LG highlighted sluggish development of Jammu in the past eras, and said, “Efforts have been made in the past to ensure development of Jammu and Kashmir. But Jammu and Kashmir was left behind. During the past few years, the investment and entrepreneurship revolution have been successful. We are at the forefront of economic growth”.

Hitting out at some sections of people, Sinha said they are being misled on the issue of change of land laws.

“These changes have been made for the benefit of farmers and others. Some people are spreading rumours about demographic changes to incite the others. I want to assure the people that like in hilly States, the safeguards have been put in place for lands,” he added.

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Courtesy: The Daily Excelsior: 28th January, 2024