STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Article 370 gave secessionism, terrorism, nepotism and large scale corruption to Jammu Kashmir.
“Article 370 denied due rights to our brothers and sisters and it was used by Pakistan to spread terrorism”, Sinha said while releasing the docu-drama ‘Ehad-e-Kashmir’, produced by JK News Today, during an event held at the Convention Centre, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its abrogation ushered a new era of peace, progress and prosperity in J&K.
J&K marching into golden age: Sinha
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir is marching into its “golden age” with core values of people-first and ideas and ideals of forefathers, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday as he paid rich tributes to Dogra military General Zorawar Singh on his martyrdom anniversary.
Sinha sought full recognition of General Zorawar Singh’s contribution and significance in India’s history and said the new generation must be reminded of his military campaigns in Ladakh, Baltistan, and Tibet and his immense contribution to the Dogra empire’s expansion under Maharaja Gulab Singh.
After his successful campaigns in Ladakh, General Zorawar Singh boldly attempted the conquest of Western Tibet (Ngari Khorsum) but was killed in the battle of To-yo during the Dogra-Tibetan war, he said. The Lt Governor was speaking at an event organised by General Zorawar Singh Memorial Educational and Charitable Trust to commemorate the martyrdom day of the General.
“General Zorawar Singh had envisioned a strong and prosperous J-K, in which every citizen can live a life of dignity and self-respect. We are committed to creating a prosperous and inclusive society,” Sinha said.
Speaking about the “transformational journey” of J-K, he said the Union Territory is marching into its “golden age” with core values of people-first and ideas and ideals of forefathers.
Sinha urged the people to discharge their responsibilities to accelerate the process of development.
Throwing light on the life and military campaigns of General Zorawar Singh, the Lt Governor said he was one of the greatest military commanders who made the country proud with his unparalleled bravery and military tactics.
“He is an icon for generations because his name evokes a strong feeling of love, reverence and sacrifice for the motherland. He will continue to inspire generations to come,” Sinha said.
“It should be our collective endeavour to fully recognise General Zorawar Singh’s contribution and significance in India’s history,” he said.
On the occasion, Ravinder Singh Jamwal, famous Sculptor and Anmol Bhardwaj specially-abled Power-lifter were also felicitated by the Lt Governor.
Devinder Singh Kaluria, Chairman, General Zorawar Singh Memorial Educational and Charitable Trust; Diksha and Riya Kaluria, trustees of General Zorawar Singh Memorial Trust; Rajan Singh Happy, President Yuva Rajput Sabah; Ritu Singh; members of the trust and Yuva Rajput Sabha, and prominent citizens were present on the occasion at General Zorawar Singh Chowk.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor Jammu University; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Vivek Gupta, DIG; Rahul Yadav, Commissioner, JMC; Major General Goverdhan Singh; Brigadier Vijay Sagar, retired and serving Army personnel were also present.
The people of J&K always wanted peace, but the Pakistan’s exported terrorism and its sympathizers tried to destroy this paradise on earth. The situation has changed. The paradise on earth is now achieving new heights of development and there is greater ease of living in the lives of citizens, he further added.
Today, the world has started to understand that there is no Good Terrorism or Bad Terrorism. Terrorism in any form is the biggest atrocity against humanity, the Lt Governor observed.
The separatists working on the behest of the enemies conspired against J&K, misguided our innocent youths, and used them as cannon fodder, while their own children went to Delhi, Mumbai and abroad to get education and lead a normal life, he added.
A befitting reply is being given to Pakistani terrorist organizations and their supporters. We have been successful in curbing terror financing & recruitment to great extent. We do not believe in buying peace. We believe in establishing peace and determined to eliminate the entire terror ecosystem, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor observed that a handful of people are trying to spread a false narrative and misguide the youth.
” These people must remember that Governance should be for the common man and not for the select few elites. We need to ask questions how families of terrorists were recruited in the government services earlier? How secessionists were given jobs earlier? Those responsible for such heinous act must introspect before raising questions on transparent and merit based recruitments happenings now,” he added.
Replying to a question on the power scenario in Kashmir during his interaction with the media persons, the Lt Governor said that the government is providing 5 % more power to the valley than the previous year. I am taking day-to-day report on the power supply, the Lt Governor said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to achieving new milestones with respect to growth and inclusive development, the Lt Governor said, all the tools of governance are working for the welfare of people.
Appreciating JK News Today group for the sincere effort to depict the story of Kashmir, the Lt Governor said that the docu-drama captures the story of Kashmir and changes it has witnessed over the years.
The film shed lights on new dawn of development, people’s aspirations and decisive action against Pakistan-sponsored terror ecosystem, added the Lt Governor.
Binoo Joshi, senior Journalist and Director & Producer of the ‘Ehad-e-Kashmir’, in her welcome address briefed the gathering about the docu-drama. We have tried to depict the situation of Kashmir in different time zones and present the statement of humanity through our endeavour, she added.
Arun Joshi, Editor-in-Chief, JK News Today, presented the vote of thanks and said that the efforts made in the last few years have significantly improved the situation in Jammu Kashmir.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor felicitated Param Vir Chakra Awardee Captain Bana Singh, and the team of JK News Today.
Dilbag Singh, DGP; BR Sharma, former Chief Secretary; SP Vaid, former DGP; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; M.K Sinha, ADGP Hqtr; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; veteran and senior journalists attended the release event at Convention centre.
Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board; Devender Singh Rana, former Legislator, senior officials and prominent citizens from all walks of life were also present.