Jammu: Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy on Sunday said the security scenario in the country has witnessed a lot of positive changes over the past two years with improved law and order situation and declining violence by militants and left wing extremists.
He also said the “renewed focus would be shifted towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir to fulfill the aspirations of the people” after the ongoing fight against COVID-19 is won by the country.
“There are a lot of changes in the country over the last two years and barring one or two incidents, nothing had happened anywhere in the country,” Reddy told reporters here after taking part in the ‘Bhoomi Pooja’ in connection with the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Majeen here.
Responding to a question about the changing security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir due to the efforts of the Centre, the minister said the situation has improved across the country.
“Take any issue – an incident, infiltration and all other angles – internal, hinterland, insurgency and left wing extremism – the terrorist incidents are not happening except along the border.
“A lot of changes have taken place in the country with the improvement in law and order, declining terrorism and no bomb blast over the past two years. Leave aside one or two incidents, nothing had happened,” Reddy said.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories in August 2019, the minister said the Centre had planned a lot of things but unfortunately the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic gave a setback.
“Under the orders of the prime minister, 36 central ministers visited every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir to get the feedback and know the developmental needs of the people,” he said.
Reddy said the Centre had already made a lot of allocations to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh but COVID-19 caused a lot of problems and the integrated development as planned could not happen.
“But with the blessings of God, the fight against the virus will be won and a renewed focus will be made towards development and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the minister said.
Terming the construction of Balaji Temple in Jammu as a “significant development”, he said it would become a major centre on the circuit of various religious shrines in Jammu and Kashmir and give a boost to religious tourism.
“Ved Patashala will also be established here and the devotees thronging the Vaishno Devi shrine will have an opportunity to pay obeisance at Balaji temple as well. It will develop into a religious circuit and generate economic activities for the people,” Reddy said.
Meanwhile, the Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan here and discussed the prevailing security situation in the Union Territory, an official spokesman said.
“The MoS and the LG discussed a range of issues pertaining to the internal security, law and order management and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesman said.
He said a discussion was also held on the functioning of DRDO’s COVID hospital in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
The LG expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Home Affairs “for extending necessary interventions for the welfare of the people of J&K,” the spokesman said.
He said the minister also shared his views with Sinha about the present developmental and security scenario in the UT.
