Local recruitment in terror outfits zero, no commander alive in Kashmir: LG Sinha
‘Don’t touch innocents, don’t spare the culprits, our policy is clear’
‘76 govt employees terminated for supporting terrorism’
‘No shutdown calendar, only business calendar’
‘New generation has forgotten stone-pelting’
Yogesh
Jammu, Feb 25 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that local recruitment in terrorist groups has dropped to zero and no commander of any outfit is alive in Kashmir.
In an interview to National Channel, LG Sinha according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Security forces are following a clear guiding principle: Don’t touch innocents, don’t spare the culprits.”
Referring to terrorists shifting their focus to Jammu region, LG Sinha said, “Jammu was never a challenge, but the focus had shifted to Kashmir. Our neighboring country played a role in infiltrating people and disturbing peace in Jammu region, but we are prepared to establish peace,” he asserted, adding that the “people of Jammu are nationalists and they will never tolerate terrorism.”
On action against terrorist supporters, LG Sinha said, “We have to wipe out the terror ecosystem.” He revealed that 76 government employees had been dismissed for supporting terrorism.
He said that these measures played a pivotal role in establishing peace in the region.
LG Sinha praised the improved coordination among security forces, which had contributed to successfully tackling terrorism.
NO SHUTDOWN CALENDAR, ONLY BUSINESS CALENDAR
Regarding the revival of Kashmir’s cultural and tourism sector, Sinha noted that Bollywood film shootings had resumed, and cinema halls had reopened in the region after 32 years. Following the successful conduct of the G20 summit, the number of foreign tourists visiting Kashmir had increased significantly. International cricket, including the Legends League, had been introduced, and there was no longer a “shutdown calendar”—only a “business calendar.”
“The new generation has forgotten stone-pelting, and for the first time in 35 years, Muharram processions were allowed. People were fed up with the violence,” he observed.
WE ARE ON SAME PAGE VIS-À-VIS DEVELOPMENT
Dispelling speculation of any discord between the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor, he clarified, “We are on the same page when it comes to the development of J&K.”
He also assured the people that the Union Home Minister had affirmed on the floor of the house, and even the Prime Minister had assured, that statehood would be restored.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that steps taken to make governance transparent and accountable had led to increased public faith in the system.
He noted that J&K’s growth rate had risen by 9.5% and that wasteful expenditure had been reduced. He also lauded the J&K Police, stating that it was different from other police forces in the country and that security forces had played a crucial role in restoring peace.
“Last year, we completed 92,000 projects. Elections were peaceful, and for the first time in 35 years, poll campaigning continued until 11 PM,” he highlighted.
Highlighting infrastructure improvements, he noted that connectivity had played a vital role in J&K’s development, with projects worth crores being implemented. “The distance between Jammu and Srinagar can now be covered in four hours. The Zojila Tunnel will be completed by 2026. Rail connectivity will be inaugurated by PM Modi soon, and air connectivity has increased with 126 flights operating from Srinagar daily. Digital connectivity has expanded, covering most areas, and J&K ranks number one in online services.”
70% OF J&K’S POPULATION ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE
Addressing the economy, LG Sinha stated that 70% of J&K’s population is associated with agriculture and horticulture, with 13 lakh families dependent on farming. The Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) aims to double the contribution of farmers to J&K’s GDP. He credited Prime Minister Modi for revoking many regressive laws that had previously hindered investment.
RS 33,000 CRORE WORTH OF INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS IN PROGRESS
“From 1947 to 2021, J&K saw only Rs 14,000 crore in investment. However, under the new industrial scheme with massive incentives—unmatched by any other state or UT—investment has surged. Currently, Rs 33,000 crore worth of industrial projects are in progress, with projects worth Rs 10,000 crore already operational.”
He also mentioned the creation of a land bank to facilitate investment, assuring that those who were unable to acquire land earlier would receive it soon.
Tourism has seen exponential growth, with 2.36 crore visitors to J&K. “Many people who owned a single hotel have now built another one in the past four years,” he said. The export of Pashmina and carpets has doubled, and horticulture products are reaching the Middle East.
He further highlighted that under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), J&K had remained the top-performing region for three consecutive years—(KNO)
J&K’s accession with India was to be formalized through plebiscite: CM Omar Abdullah
‘If Art 370 was temporary, then J&K accession with India subject to similar scrutiny’
‘Separatism has declined in J&K, no one had imagined Mirwaiz will get CRPF cover’
‘UT with Assembly not workable system, J&K will become state again’
Owais Gul
Srinagar, Feb 25 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that accession of Jammu and Kashmir with India was to be formalized through a “plebiscite.”
In an interview to News 18, Omar according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “If Article 370 was considered temporary and transitional, then Jammu and Kashmir’s accession with India was also subject to similar scrutiny.”
He criticized the unilateral abrogation of Article 370, stating, “It was scrapped without taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir on board. We had no role to play in it.”
He said that the provision was not time-bound, adding, “Transitional because the status of J&K had not been finalized. Why was it temporary and transitional? What was the promise made to the people?”
He further elaborated that the accession of J&K was meant to be formalized through a “plebiscite.”
“A permanent provision could not be inserted into the Constitution for a region whose permanent status was yet to be determined. Over time, we agreed that the accession was permanent and needed no ratification. But the framework that guaranteed this accession also needed to be permanent,” he said. “You called the framework temporary and the accession permanent.”
TALKS ABOUT MIRWAIZ GETTING CRPF COVER
Omar Abdullah admitted that the revocation of Article 370 led to a decline in separatist activities. “No one can deny that separatism has declined in J&K. No one had imagined that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq would be provided security by the CRPF.”
UT WITH ASSEMBLY NOT WORKABLE SYSTEM
Reflecting on the changes since his previous tenure as Chief Minister, Omar said, “Today’s J&K is different. There is a vast difference between governing a state with special status and a Union Territory. The difference between a state and a UT is like that between the sky and the earth.”
He expressed concern over the limitations of a UT with an assembly, calling it an ineffective system. “A UT with an assembly is not a workable system. If this system is so good, why not implement it in other states like Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat?” he questioned, adding that the present arrangement was “cheating the people.”
J&K WILL BECOME A STATE AGAIN
Despite the challenges, Omar expressed confidence that J&K would regain statehood. “There is no doubt that J&K will become a state again. The Prime Minister and Home Minister have repeatedly assured us of this.”
He acknowledged that the elected government has been trying to reconnect with the people but stated that their tenure so far has been largely focused on managing inherited projects. “In four months, we haven’t had a chance for execution. Right now, we are only implementing what we inherited. Let’s present our first budget and move ahead,” he said.
He acknowledged increased participation in elections and highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s potential in tourism, hydroelectric power, and lithium recovery in Reasi. “Jammu has vast potential in adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, and horticulture. We must create job opportunities for our youth, who are talented and knowledgeable.”
REVIVAL OF TERRORISM IN JAMMU UNFORTUNATE
He expressed concern over the resurgence of terrorism in Jammu province. “It is unfortunate that terrorism has revived in Jammu. We had wiped it out, and it must be eliminated again,” he said, blaming Pakistan for continued interference in the region.
On the INDIA alliance, Omar Abdullah admitted that there was confusion regarding its scope. “If the alliance is only for parliamentary elections, then it means there is no alliance for assembly elections. If we are together, we should contest assembly polls collectively. Fighting separately has hurt the bloc, as seen in Delhi and Haryana.”
ON A LIGHTER NOTE
Speaking about his school days, Omar recalled his time at Sanawar School, praising its discipline and fitness regimen. He also welcomed his nomination by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the national campaign against obesity, saying, “It’s an opportunity to contribute towards a healthier nation.”—(KNO)
