Don’t feel any need to review AFSPA in J&K: LG
‘There will be no demographic change in J&K; will bring down walls of hindrance in UT’s development journey’
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said there is no need to set up a panel to review the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the union territory.
Sinha was asked if Jammu and Kashmir feels the need to set up a panel to review or repeal the AFSPA as is being done in Nagaland.
“Do not be concerned about it. I am looking into it. I do not feel any such need (to set up panel to review it),” Sinha told a press conference here.
The Centre on Sunday constituted a high-level committee, headed by a secretary-rank officer, to examine the possibility of lifting the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Nagaland, apparently to soothe the rising tension in the northeastern state following the killing of 14 civilians.
Addressing a press conference at the Real Estate summit, LG when asked about opposition parties’ allegations that land parcels of the local people will be taken away in the name of development, said this is an “effort to create fear and incite people”.
“There will be no demographic change,” he said.
“I outright reject it. I will not react to statements of leaders.” Sinha said while replying to another question.
In bid to address such apprehension, the LG said a large chunk of local youth have been given employment in hydro-power, tunnel and road projects in J&K.
He said it is an attempt to incite people. “We will take people on board,” he said.
In his address earlier in the day to the first-ever investment summit, the LG said attempt to create hindrance will be dealt with.
“We will bring down the wall of hindrance (in the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir). We will take swift steps in this development journey,” he said.
He, however, advised investors to take on board people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“There have been revolutionary changes in J&K during the last two years,” he said asserting that the UT is providing 100 percent more incentive than Uttar Pradesh.
The Article 370 was abrogated on August 05, 2019, and the State was divided into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Sinha said the government has identified 6,000 acres of land for the development of projects and that it has also made rules for change of land usage of agriculture land.
He said that the government will also offer its own land under the new industrial policy for development of projects.
Sinha said people who own the land should have the freedom to decide how they want to use their land parcels. (With PTI inputs)
