No talks with Pak; J&K integral part of India: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Dec 02: Ending speculations about the resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral talks, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and there is no question of engaging with a third party.

“Union Territory administration and Government of India (GoI) has a clear-cut policy of engaging with the citizens of J&K. J&K is an integral part of our country and there is no question of engaging with any third party,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha told a national television channel.

Sinha said Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent J&K visit announced that elections will be held after the delimitation exercise. He said statehood will be restored after that.

“Only Parliament can restore statehood. Both Prime Minister and Home Minister have spoken on this issue in detail in Parliament,” he said.

Lieutenant Governor said there is full freedom to political parties to carry out their activities in Jammu and Kashmir. “Constitution of India gives freedom to everyone. There is full freedom for everyone to carry out political activities. We provide security to everyone. All political parties participated in the last DDC elections. Turnout was more than Assembly and Parliament elections. The polls were free and fair and without violence,” he said.

Sinha said all the militants responsible for recent civilian killings have been eliminated. “Civilian killings are the result of frustration and reaction to growing peace, progress, prosperity, and normalcy in the valley. As promised, we have eliminated all those responsible for civilian killings. Work is on to eliminate the entire terrorism ecosystem. Our strategy is not to eliminate terrorists only but demolish the entire terror ecosystem,” he said.

Lieutenant Governor said there has been unprecedented development in Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370.

“In 2018-19, after spending Rs 67000 crore, less than 10000 projects were completed. In 2019-20, we have completed more than 21000 projects after spending only  Rs 63000 crore. Executing more projects with comparatively less expenditure is what has changed in J&K. 11000 candidates have secured government jobs in the transparent recruitment process,” he said.

Sinha said the average income of farmers in J&K is around Rs 19000, which is the fifth-highest in the country. “Three years back, J&K used to be at 11th position in the road construction. In two years, J&K has graduated to 3rd place.  On average, 2500-2600 km road used to be macadamized in a year. Last year we macadamized 5600 km and this year, we will complete 8000 km. 25 national highways are under construction in J&K,” he said.

“In the power sector, the maximum potential was only 3500MW. With new power projects, we are doubling it in the next 5 years. J&K had only 3 Medical colleges. Now, 7 new Medical colleges have been established. Two new AIIMS, 2 new Cancer Institutes, and many nursing colleges have also come up,” he said.

He said under the new industrial policy, the proposed private investment has crossed Rs. 31,000 Crore, which is double than expected.

 “Proposals worth Rs.15000 Cr.  have already been approved. Tourist footfall increased manifold in the UT during the winter months. From 1935 tourists in June 2020, the number increased to 1282572 in September 2021. Winter witnessed 100 percent high-end-hotel occupancy in Srinagar and other prominent tourist destinations.  Overall, people of J&K want peace, prosperity, and growth,” he said.

Sinha said post Article 370 abrogation, the reservation benefits have percolated to all eligible communities.

“Certain communities of J&K (Khatri, Mahajans, etc) were not allowed to purchase agriculture land that has been changed now. Forest Rights Act has been implemented in toto. Domicile rights have been granted to women. Marginalized communities are being brought into the mainstream,” he said.

On Kashmiri pandit rehabilitation, he said the PM employment package is being implemented in toto. “6000 vacancies have almost filled. Of 6000 houses, 3500 are under construction. Encroached migrant properties are being restored to original owners across the valley,” he said.