Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 31: Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory status should not hinder the functioning of the elected government, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that it possesses full authority to govern and must stop using the statehood issue as an excuse for inaction.
Addressing the J&K UT Foundation Day celebrations at the SKICC here, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah had made it clear in the Parliament that delimitation first, Assembly election second and then the restoration of the statehood at an appropriate time.”
In an apparent reference to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, LG Sinha said, “Some people have some problems. When the assembly elections were held, it was clear that the elections were taking place for the UT assembly. They (elected Government) cannot make the excuse that work cannot be done till statehood is restored.”
He reiterated that the elected government has all the powers and people should not be “misled under the pretext of the absence of statehood.”
He advised the elected government to use its powers for the betterment of the people of J&K.
Pertinently, Omar Abdullah after taking over as J&K Chief Minister last year has maintained that dual power system is not allowing his government to function properly. He has kept on reminding the Centre about its promise of restoring J&K’s statehood.
Describing October 31, 2019 as the day which ended fear, separatism and discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir and ushered peace, development and democratic participation, LG Sinha said, “Six years ago, under the leadership of PM Modi, history was made when for the first time, the laws framed by the Indian Parliament became applicable in J&K.”
“An aspirational J&K UT was born on 31st October 2019 and people’s dream of peace and progress was fulfilled within a short span of time. The historic milestones were achieved in infrastructure and other sectors. All forms of discrimination were eliminated and social justice and equality were established,” LG Sinha said, adding, “If we look back at the seven decades of history, many people made sacrifices to welcome this change. The foundation of this journey was laid by Sardar Patel,” the LG said, adding that people are well aware of those who once conspired to divide the region.
He said that even the President of India had no authority over an inch of land here. “A few individuals ruled while thousands lived deprived. Some had built artificial walls that kept our sisters away from their rights.”
Sinha said that with the abrogation of Article 370 and subsequent reforms, October 31 became the day when the walls of separatism began to crumble. “J&K Police and security forces have broken the backbone of terrorism. The era of fear is over. People now participate freely in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, strengthening democracy in the Union Territory,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the new generation has rejected violence. “Stone pelting has become history. People are now coming out spontaneously in support of peace and progress,” he remarked.
Speaking on termination of government employees involved in terror activities, the Lieutenant Governor said that this process will continue till we completely wipe out the terror ecosystem from the governance system.
The Lieutenant Governor asked the people to stand united against the elements trying to disrupt the development process. He said attempts are being made to stall the speed of development and people must be united to see that development process continues unabated.
Referring to April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, LG Sinha said, “People of Kashmir by taking to streets and staging protests against Pakistan and the terrorists sponsored by it sent a clear message that they won’t tolerate barbarism and killings of innocents anymore.”
He said that terrorism survives only on ideology and public support. “When society withdraws that support, terrorism breathes its last and that process has already begun,” LG Sinha added.
The Lieutenant Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dreams of Sardar Patel and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee are being fulfilled by all-round development of Jammu Kashmir.
He called for unity with a singular objective of inclusive development.
“We must follow the vision and ideals of Sardar Patel and work as a unified force for the shared goal of Atam-Nirbhar J&K and Viksit Bharat. We have made history in terms of all-round development and need to continue this journey as an unbreakable entity,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding, “Since 2019, the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir are linked to the aspirations of the country. We must work with dedication to transform our unity into widespread prosperity. This path will be guided by the vision of the 4 Ps: Peace, Progress, Prosperity, and People First.”
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a Photo Exhibition on “An Era of Transformative Governance in Jammu Kashmir”. Young achievers and budding entrepreneurs shared their success stories, and a documentary by the Department of Information and Public relations on ‘Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ was also showcased to mark the day.
Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly; Er. Gulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Wakf Board; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; S.J.M. Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of Security Forces, Civil and Police Administration, Heads of educational institutions, youth and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present. (KNO)
