Sonamarg: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that three-decades-long conflict in Kashmir was “business for some people who filled their personal coffers while common man was left to suffer on all fronts”.
He also said that security forces are pushing the last nail in the coffin of terrorism and dismantling the entire terror-ecosystem to make peace a permanent feature.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Golden Glory Eco Park at Sonamarg and other events under ‘Meeri Maati Mera Desh’, the LG said that conflict tag on the face of Kashmir for three decades was actually a “great business opportunity” for some people “whose first preference was to fill their own pockets” while common people were was left suffer on all fronts.
“Now, security forces are putting in their entire energy to push the last nail in the coffin of terrorism. Terror ecosystem is being dismantled to make peace a permanent feature in J&K,” the LG said.
He said that people of J&K have a right to live a free life as per their will and choice. “Gone are the days when they were asked to live the life on the directions of others. Some people want to revive street violence to get back into the business, but their plans will be scuttled on all fronts,” he said.
“Today, separatism, terrorism and street violence is a thing of the past,” Sinha added.
He said that a poor man has a first right on every government scheme. “I don’t know why some people felt pain in their stomachs when we announced land for the landless. In the first phase, 2711 people were provided land under the PMAY scheme. Home is not just a home for the poor but a beginning of a long journey of fulfilling dreams,” he said.
The LG said that 8000 more people of whom majority are Bakerwals are eligible for the land for the landless. “If some people feel pain in their stomachs, they will have to bear that pain.”
He said that this year so far 10 lakh tourists visited Sonamarg and Ganderbal. “There are 130 home-stays available in the district. Home-stays provided a great opportunity for the people of Ganderbal to earn a living,” the LG said.
He said that lakhs of Amarnath Yatris were hosted by the people of Ganderbal. “I want to put it on record that all Amarnath pilgrims went back with a message of brotherhood, peace and harmony,” the LG said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Sonamarg and dedicated the ‘Golden Glory Eco Park’ to the people, an official press release said.
It said the LG also attended ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ programme and paid tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
In his address, the LG recalled the contribution of the prominent personalities of Jammu and Kashmir in building a progressive and prosperous society.
“‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ is also a grand occasion for the society to pay tribute to its sons and daughters, who have succeeded in reaching the pinnacle in diverse fields and played a significant role in nation building,” the LG said.
The LG shared the efforts of the administration to maintain peace and accelerate economic and development activities across UT.
“We are fully committed to creating a business, investment and economic climate in J&K. State-of-the-art highways, rural roads and village-level women-led industries have registered a marked rise over the last few years,” the LG said.
He said decisive steps taken for adequate investment in infrastructure is rebuilding tourism for the future and Ganderbal has immense tourism potential to stimulate socio-economic growth.
The Eco Park inaugurated today will add to the major tourist attraction in the district, he added.
At Sonamarg, the LG administered the ‘Panch Pran’ pledge to the people and called for united efforts in taking the nation and the UT forward on the path of peace and development.
“We must set certain goals to transform our young generation’s enthusiasm, courage, and aspirations into actions,” he added.
The LG also lauded the cooperation and support of people of Ganderbal in ensuring smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra.
On the occasion, the LG e-inaugurated Universal NCD Screening under comprehensive Primary healthcare through Ayush Bharat Health and wellness Centres in Ganderbal. He also launched Ganderbal Chronicles magazine and distributed kits among Sakhi Club members.
Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC chairperson, Ganderbal; Sujit Kumar DIG; Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal and senior officers of civil, police administration and security forces, prominent citizens and youth were present in large numbers.
