JAMMU, Aug 03: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said the incidents of stone pelting, hartals and bandhs have become a history in the Kashmir valley while security forces have gained clear edge over the militancy as highest number of 130 militants, 37 of them foreign mercenaries, have been killed this year so far.
“There has been major change in Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370. Now, there is no stone pelting, hartals and bandhs. All this has become a thing of the past. Security forces are committed to restore complete peace in the Valley,” Sinha said in an interview with TV18 News Network this afternoon.
Asserting that shelf life of militants has become very less because of onslaught against militancy by the security forces, he said no hardcore ultra is now surviving.
“There was a time when the militants used to declare that they have joined militancy. Now, they know they won’t survive long. In view of this, the militants are misleading 17-18 years old youth and making them hybrid ultras. However, we have started de-radicalization of the youth. The Mission Youth is also working in this direction,” Sinha said.
Maintaining that development is not possible without peace, he said the people have realized this but some forces working at the behest of neighbour. He said more responsible (for the militancy) are those who are running this ecosystem.
“Earlier, peace was bought but we want to establish permanent peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said security forces have clearly gained upper hand over the militancy but few innocent lives were lost which is unfortunate.
“People want that no incident should occur in Jammu and Kashmir. If we take data of last 20 years, you would see how many innocent lives were lost. However, this year, security forces and police have killed highest number of 130 militants including 37 foreigners so far. If there is slight fear among the common man that too will be removed,” he said.
Sinha said like other parts of the country, Jammu and Kashmir will also celebrate ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ festival with enthusiasm. However, he added, there are some people who have objections to this but their number is very less and no one is bothered about them.
“Last year also, tricolor was hoisted in every Panchayat and school of Jammu and Kashmir on Independence Day,” he said.
Referring to developmental works undertaken in the Union Territory, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir with just 1.3 crore population has been granted two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), IIT, IIM, Central Universities, seven new Medical Colleges and many more.
“Jammu and Kashmir is writing new story of development,” he added.The District Capex budget which was just Rs 5316 crore has this year reached Rs 22,000 crore which will lead to massive development in the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said.
He recalled that during 2018-19, Rs 67,000 crore were spent on projects but last year more projects were executed with Rs 4,000 crore less expenditure. Number of projects completed is increasing.
Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir is Number one Union Territory in the country in e-governance. “We are providing 290 Services Online and 75 percent people have recently stated that they are satisfied with the services,” he added.
He appreciated efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah towards development of Jammu and Kashmir.
“A new chapter of development has started in Jammu and Kashmir after August 5, 2019 developments,” Sinha said.
