Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday criticised the politicians who did not attend the Union Territory Foundation Day, saying it reflected their “dual character”.
His comment came at a media interaction on the J&K Foundation Day – to coincide with the Reorganisation Act 2019 when the erstwhile state was downgraded to a UT, as the ruling National Conference and its allies, including the Congress, stayed away from the celebrations. Thursday was the 5th anniversary of J&K’s reorganisation into a UT.
In an obvious reference to NC leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Cabinet ministers, Sinha said: “It was unfortunate that those who took oath under the Indian Constitution are opposing UT status of J&K. This reflects their dual character.”
“The ground reality is that it is a UT today. When it will be made a state, and we want it to be a state, we will celebrate statehood foundation day as well. This shows their dual character,” Sinha said as per an official press release.
Besides the ruling NC and its ally Congress, the People’s Democratic Party also did not turn up for the event. People’s Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone and CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also stayed away. They said the administration went ahead with the programme despite people “clearly voting” against it.
The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was turned into a Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 that granted the state a special status.
Sinha said, “Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory. We will have to accept that reality. The PM has said in the parliament and so has the Home Minister that delimitation first, elections second and then statehood at appropriate time.”
The LG called the five years of the UT “an era of peace, prosperity and development.”
On the delay in Panchayat and urban local bodies elections, Sinha said these polls had to be deferred due to some constitutional issues.
“The Panchayati Raj institutions and the ULBs have a big contribution in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to some constitutional difficulties, those elections could not be held. There were Lok Sabha and Assembly elections and reservation for OBCs was not extended yet,” he said.
“Now Parliament has passed it (OBC reservation), I am sure preparations are being made for those polls in coming days,” he added.
According to the official press release, Sinha said the achievements of the “past five years of transformation” is a report card of the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of J&K.
“I am happy today J&K stands proudly on the national stage- tall, self-reliant, and full of self-confidence. A strong foundation has been laid for speedy development in all the sectors. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we have fulfilled the aspirations of the people,” the LG said.
On the occasion, the LG highlighted the “progressive policies and reforms” and the “unprecedented growth” registered across the sectors in J&K.
“Our economic fundamentals are strong. Peace, stability, rule of law and time-tested democratic values make J&K UT an attractive investment destination. The confidence of investors in Jammu & Kashmir is reflected in the highest-ever inflows of investment in the past four years,” he said. The LG also reiterated his commitment for the extension of the new industrial development scheme in J&K.
Speaking on the achievements registered in the banking sector, the LG said that J&K Bank is one of the greatest “turnaround” success stories of the UT.
In 2019-20, the bank has reported a loss of Rs 1139 Cr. It reported a profit of Rs 1700 Cr in the year 2023-24. In current FY, J&K Bank clocked Rs 991 Cr in profit, he added.
On the occasion, the LG called upon the people to remain united, identify and isolate anti-national elements and those disrupting the peace.
The LG also spoke on the important role and contribution of Panchayati Raj Institutions, ULBs, and elected representatives in J&K’s development. He expressed hope that the Panchayati Raj elections would be held soon in J&K.
“My dream is to see that every family is prosperous. My dream is to see faster development of the infrastructure, industries and fruits of growth reach the last person in the queue,” the LG said.
According to the press release, on the occasion, beneficiaries under different government schemes shared their success stories.
The event also featured impressive performances by the artists celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.
Gulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament; B R Sharma, Election Commissioner J&K; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of security forces, civil and police administration, and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present, the press release said.
