Srinagar: The biggest change after the abrogation of Article 370 is that the common people of Jammu and Kashmir are living life according to their own wishes, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday, the fourth anniversary of the scrapping of the article.
The Centre on this day in 2019 had revoked Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated it into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
“Pakistan-sponsored shutdowns by terrorists and separatists, due to which schools, colleges and business establishments used to remain closed for about 150 days a year, have ended,” Sinha told reporters after an event here.
“The biggest change that is visible on the ground is that the common people of Jammu and Kashmir are living life according to their own wishes. Street violence has ended,” he said.
The LG said the youth of Kashmir are enjoying late night-outs and now spend time at the Poloview market and Jhelum riverfront. The two popular public areas of the city were recently renovated under the Srinagar Smart City project.
“The dreams of the youth of Kashmir have got wings now and in the days to come, their contribution to nation-building will not be less than anyone,” Sinha said.
The LG said Jammu and Kashmir will soon regain its lost glory for which it was known across the world.
Earlier, addressing a gathering at the event at the Kashmir International Convention Centre (KICC), Sinha said a lot of changes have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir in the last four years due to “youth power, women power and its farmers”.
“I salute the farmers, the youth, and women. This is the power by virtue of which a new Jammu and Kashmir has been made possible. This is the power which has awakened Jammu and Kashmir’s inner powers. It has created a new belief system in society,” he said.
Sinha said last year on August 5, the administration had started “Corruption Free Day” in Jammu and Kashmir.
The LG said it was done as the ecosystems of terror, separatism and corruption had “polluted” Jammu and Kashmir. “People here know better than me. It is very important that this cancerous corruption be treated,” he said.
At the ceremony to mark the fourth anniversary of abrogation, the LG handed over appointment letters to Anganwari Sanginis and Sahayikas, and specially fitted 2,832 scooties to persons with disabilities across the UT.
The LG also launched Mission Youth’s Protsahan Scheme and Soft Skill Training & Coaching program for judicial and other legal services.
“The unprecedented growth and peace is a testament to the dedication, hard work, meticulous planning and implementation of team J&K. I dedicate these initiatives to the people, who are working with commitment to build ‘Corruption-free, Fear-free and Aatmanirbhar J&K’,” the LG said.
The new initiatives of Mission Youth will empower youngsters, help them to become leaders of tomorrow and change-makers, he added.
Sharing the “extraordinary journey” of Jammu Kashmir over the past four years, the LG said, “On 5th August 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ended the discriminatory system which harbored separatism and nepotism. He ushered sustained peace, dignity, security, equal access to resources for new aspirations, and new resolutions for J&K’s glorious future.”
He said the complete dismantling of terror sympathizers and secessionist network has allowed the society to live with freedom, live without fear.
“We have laid a new foundation for the growth and prosperity of J&K. We have ended decades of tyranny and terror ecosystem. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we have established a lasting peace, which has brought social justice, opportunity and dignity to people,” he said.
Reiterating the commitment of the UT administration to the service of the common man, the LG said the government is dedicated to the ideals of social justice and equality. “Today, the poorest of the poor feel that the government belongs to them,” he added.
876On the occasion, the LG felicitated the candidates trained by Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Result for PARVAAZ (NEET/JEE) was also declared.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Ambarish Datta, MD and CEO, BSE Institute Ltd and Ashwani Bhatia, member SEBI also spoke on the occasion.
Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, CEO Mission Youth; senior officials, officials of BSE, SEBI; beneficiaries and prominent citizens were present.
