SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday described the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 as one of the biggest milestones in independent India’s history, saying it had given Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to emerge from decades of violence and move towards peace, equal rights and development.
Addressing the seventh Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day function in Srinagar, Sinha said the constitutional changes had ended a system under which discrimination and divisions were perpetuated, paving the way for equal rights and the principle of one nation, one Constitution and one flag.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had endured decades of terrorism and separatism since 1947, during which thousands of families lost their loved ones, while those affected by violence often struggled to receive justice and recognition. He also referred to the prolonged wait of Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes.
Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, the Lieutenant Governor said the decision taken in 2019 had fulfilled the vision of national integration associated with the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister.
“On the same day the nation celebrates Patel’s birth anniversary, in 2019 the country got opportunity to fulfil his resolve of One India, Great India,” he said.
Comparing the decision with other major developments in independent India, Sinha cited the economic liberalisation of 1991, the launch of Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala and Awas Yojana in 2014, Digital India in 2015 and the introduction of GST in 2017. He placed the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A, along with decisive action against terrorism and Naxalism in 2019, among the country’s significant milestones.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah with delivering on their commitments to Jammu and Kashmir.
On the security front, Sinha said the policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism had produced significant results, claiming that more than 780 terrorists had been sent to their place, local recruitment into militant groups had ended and stone-pelting incidents had become a thing of the past.
He said the number of casualties among security personnel and civilians had also declined considerably, while young people were increasingly distancing themselves from militancy.
“Do not harass the innocent, do not spare the guilty, however big or politically powerful, will be punished,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He added that properties allegedly built using proceeds from drug trafficking had been demolished and action against terrorists, their supporters and the networks sustaining militancy would be intensified until terrorism was completely eliminated.
“Whoever tries to disturb your quality of living, progress, peace will be given such punishment that seven generations will remember,” he warned.
Highlighting the economic indicators, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir’s per capita income had increased from Rs 75,000 seven years ago to Rs 2.06 lakh.
He said the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, which was facing a loss of Rs 1,139 crore when he assumed office, had registered a profit of Rs 2,363 crore. Its non-performing assets had also declined from 10.97 per cent to 2.5 per cent, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said investments in physical infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, airport terminals and power projects, along with industrial initiatives launched from April 2021, were beginning to yield results.
Describing the change in the outlook of younger generations as a major achievement, he said children currently aged seven to eight had grown up without experiencing shutdowns and stone-pelting incidents.
He said another generation, now aged 12 to 13, had begun its schooling around the time Jammu and Kashmir underwent the 2019 transition and had subsequently participated in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Sinha said the growing number of people supporting peace was reflected in changing social patterns across the Valley. Families who once hesitated to venture out after sunset were now moving around late at night, while young people could be seen enjoying music along the banks of the Jhelum.
He also criticised those who, according to him, refused to acknowledge the changes taking place in Jammu and Kashmir while invoking the Constitution to advance positions that weakened national unity.
Outlining the government’s priorities, Sinha assured young people and farmers that employment and livelihood opportunities would remain a focus. He announced plans for skill development centres in every district, start-up incubation facilities in universities and easier access to loans.
He also promised support for farmers through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, saying efforts would be made to expand livelihood opportunities across sectors.
On healthcare, the Lieutenant Governor said health insurance schemes had helped save Rs 4,075 crore for ordinary citizens during the current year.
Calling for unity and collective participation in Jammu and Kashmir’s development, he said the region’s future should be shaped by peace and equal opportunities rather than terrorism and discrimination.
“By 2047 when India completes 100 years of independence, J&K should become new example of prosperity, peace and good governance,” he said.
Sinha also extended greetings to farmers, teachers, writers, artists, security personnel, government employees, young people and women, acknowledging their contribution to building a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
