Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the security situation in the Union Territory has improved significantly and terrorism is “taking its last breath” here.
Accommodations for employees belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community in Kashmir have been arranged, and allocation will be completed expeditiously, he said.
“The security situation is better than it was in the past. With confidence, I can say that terrorism is taking its last breath,” Sinha said while addressing Kashmiri Pandits at Mata Bhadrakali shrine on the outskirts of Jammu city.
Sinha said that in the past, “terrorists have targeted soft spots to instill fear within the community.”
He said the “neighbouring country is deliberately attempting to keep the pot of terrorism boiling in J&K. We are making every effort to ensure the security of vulnerable groups, including Kashmiri Pandits and minorities. The police and security forces are working tirelessly towards this goal.”
The Jammu-based Mata Bhadrakali temple at Devi Angan Thalwal, a replica of a temple located in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, celebrated Maha Navami which was attended by LG Sinha and Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of Jammu.
The LG extended Maha Navami greetings and assured all necessary support from the J&K administration to Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan Trust (MBAT) for the early completion of the ongoing construction work of the temple, which will be the replica of the ancient temple situated in Handwara.
Sinha said the government employees from the Kashmiri Pandit community will be offered land at subsidised rates in Srinagar for housing purposes.
“We will ensure this arrangement is made promptly. My administration and office are open for the people of the community to address their genuine concerns,” he said.
“Enhanced security measures will be implemented at these accommodations across Kashmir. A proposal has been submitted to the Home Ministry and we expect a prompt response leading to its implementation,” he added.
He also appreciated the efforts of MBAT in building requisite facilities for pilgrims including “socio-cultural centre and ‘Shaheed Sthal’ to honour the martyrs of Kashmiri Pandit community, army, police and central armed police forces,” an official press release informed.
In his remarks, the LG highlighted the “cultural renaissance” in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and restoration of important ancient and religious sites with the broader objective of the welfare of the society.
He said the J&K administration is working with complete dedication to create a favorable scenario for the permanent settlement of Kashmiri Pandit community in the Valley.
Recalling his earlier discussion with Kashmiri Pandit delegations, the LG said the government will make necessary arrangements to provide land at low price to government employees in Srinagar to build their own houses.
The LG said a nodal officer has been appointed in LG Secretariat to address all the issues and concerns of Kashmiri Pandit community. He said the members of the community can also take up issues with Divisional Commissioner, ADGP, IGP and concerned Deputy Commissioner and their matter will be taken up on priority.
The LG directed KK Sidha, Commissioner, Relief and Rehabilitation, for regular allotment of completed houses in Kashmir valley and submit a report on the requirements and gaps in terms of infrastructure and other facilities. The LG also highlighted various initiatives taken by the administration for the welfare of the community.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Anand Jain, IGP Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Ajay Bharti, former legislator; senior officers of civil and police administration; members of Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan Trust and prominent citizens were present.
