Politicians who misled people over years responsible for Kashmir mess: Dr Jitendra

Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh addressing a function organised by Peace Foundation at Jammu on Sunday. — Excelsior/Rakesh
Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh addressing a function organised by Peace Foundation at Jammu on Sunday. — Excelsior/Rakesh

Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Feb 5: Holding successive politicians responsible for present mess in Kashmir who were often changing statements from Kashmir to Delhi, Union Minister of State in PMO with Independent charge of North Eastern States, Dr Jitendra Singh today said this is not possible now in real time reporting for them.
Addressing a function at Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorium at Jammu University , the Union Minister said earlier politicians used to give one statement in Kashmir, another in Jammu and  Delhi. “But this is not possible in real time reporting now because the powerful media does not allow us to mislead any one.”
Recalling the old saying that truth always prevails, Dr Singh said that truth prevails and it now prevails over our head so one can’t ignore this fact and these politicians can’t take the people for granted.
Maintaining that it is the age of youth, the Union Minister said: “we can’t ignore Kashmiri youth as they are our hope”. Stressing on involving youth in peace process he expressed the hope that youth in the State especially in Kashmir will come to know about the truth that they have been deceived by false promises and ultimately join the developmental programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Without naming any one, he said the politicians over the years have misled the people for their vested interests. While referring to 73rd Constitutional amendment, he said no body will be harmed if it is implemented in J&K. Instead there will be more flow of Central funds for development through Panchayats. But a hue and cry has been created by the  politicians having vested interest that State will lose Its identity and secularism will be in great danger.”
Terming secularism most abused word being used nowadays, he said those who coined it basically had no faith in religion. “You have not to be a secular but be a true Hindu, a true Muslim, a true Sikh and true Christian”. Any one following his religion in true sense can’t be harmful for others as this is the basic principle of all religions, he added.
Later talking to reporters, Dr Singh expressed concern over the double standards being maintained by some politicians over the rehabilitation of Burmese and Bangladeshi refugees in Jammu. “Those who oppose the grant of citizenship rights to West Pakistan refugees, who are putting up in this part of the State for last 70 years are maintaining a silence over settlement of foreign refugees in Jammu”.
Terming this an issue of serious concern, Dr Singh said “it is not only the question of change of demography but also a grave security risk”.
He wanted a probe as to how these refugees reached here after crossing several States from the North Eastern border of the country and which are the agencies who are funding them. He termed it a part of big conspiracy which needs a thorough probe. This is an issue of serious concern and the matter should be looked into without political considerations, he added.
On the recent statement of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over Article 370, Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated that there should be no compromise on principle issue and BJP stands by that. He expressed the hope that both the coalition partners will work with maturity and wisdom to perform ‘coalition dharma’ for furthering the Agenda of Alliance and not detract from that.
The Union Minister, however, made it clear that there will be no compromise on principles. “ BJP is a principled party and for the sake of principles Shamaprasad Mookerjee the founder president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh laid down his life”, he added.
Terming Maharaja Hari Singh a great personality, he said  it is because of the former ruler of the State that J&K became an integral part of India. But history has done injustice with Maharaja, he added.
He said the best tribute to Maharaja will be restoring J&K to same format in which he handed over it to India including Gilgit and Baltistan.
Earlier addressing the function, Dr Singh asked the people to take Vikas as a dharma as it is such a Mantra with which every one will like to associate.
Highlighting the policies and programmes of Narendra Modi Government, Dr Singh said in last two and half years of BJP Government at Centre the Prime Minister honestly tried to bring forward such a developmental programe which has not taken place in last 70 years of Independence.
While quoting Mahatma Gandhi who had said that last tear in last eye should be wiped away, he said in 70  years the claimants of Gandhi’s legacy could not do it but soon after Modi Ji took over we worked to fulfill the dream of former Jana Sangh president Deendayal Upadaya that last man in the last queue should be given justice.  This coincides with what Mahatma Gandhi had said, he added.
While appreciating the efforts of the Peace Foundation which is working for restoration of peace in trouble torn Valley for last two decades now, Dr Jitendra Singh asked its leaders to channelize the energy of youth as they are the future of the country.
He showed total optimism that it is the only youth who may change the fate of Kashmir and take it to the path of  progress and development.
On the occasion Peace Foundation in collaboration with Global Indian Foundation conferred this year’s Abu Kalam award to Dr Jitendra Singh. The award was given to him by Farooq Nazki, a well known intellectual of the State.
In addition to it, the Dilip Padgaonkar Best Journalist Award was conferred to Group Editor ETV, Rajesh Raina. The award was taken on his behalf by incharge ETV Jammu, Sameer Bhat.
Earlier in his address Fayaz Bhat president of Peace Foundation highlighted the role of organization in restoration of peace in Kashmir valley. He sought cooperation of people and leaders in restoration of peace in the State as over 27 years unrest has given the people nothing except blood shed, pain and agony. He said it is unfortunate that a sizeable number of people from Kashmir who were the part and parcel of Valley and its pluralistic culture are presently out of Kashmir for last 27 years and our efforts are to become a bridge between Delhi and the State and the different communities to restore the pluralistic character of Kashmir valley.
Minister of Animal and Sheep Husbandry Abdul Gani Kohli, MLC Ramesh Arora and others addressed the programme. An all religious prayer was also held for peace and brotherhood.

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