Srinagar, Oct 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said there has been unnecessary speculation on the issue of statehood restoration to Jammu and Kashmir despite the clarity given by the Union Home Minister.
Addressing a gathering at SKICC, Srinagar, the LG said that the Home Minister has already stated: first delimitation, then assembly elections, and statehood at an appropriate time,” the LG said.
“Some people are trying to mislead the public on this issue. I want to make it clear that the Union Territory government already has sufficient powers and those powers must be utilised for public welfare instead of spreading confusion,” he said.
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He also said that October 31 marks the birth of a new Jammu and Kashmir, an era that ended fear, separatism and discrimination and ushered in peace, development and democratic participation.
The LG said that 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.”
“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 also 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 LG 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.
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,” he added.(KNO)
