Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 10: Senior advocate and president of the International Council of Jurists (London), Dr Adish Aggarwala, today said the abrogation of Article 370 has created a peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to prosperity and increased tourist footfall.
Aggarwala, who is on a visit to Kashmir, made these remarks after unfurling the Tricolor at the iconic Clock Tower in Srinagar’s city centre. He said people are happy and earning well, reducing the scope for anti-national activities. “When there is prosperity and people are earning, there is no misleading them. Misleading happens only when there is poverty, unemployment, and people struggle to meet basic needs,” he told reporters.
He said the changed situation has attracted tourists from across the world. “Today, I could not find a hotel room here. I was given accommodation in the university guest house because all hotels were booked. This shows that people are happy, and tourism is booming,” Aggarwala said.
The senior advocate said both the Union Government and the local administration are working together for peace and development. “Even Pakistan believed that the situation would worsen after the elections here. But leaders like Omar Abdullah are working for peace and employment opportunities,” he said.
On the demand for restoration of statehood, Aggarwala said the Centre is committed to restoring it once complete normalcy returns. “The state government is doing its job. As soon as the situation stabilizes fully, statehood will be restored,” he added.
Responding to a question on security forces’ presence, he said the deployment is normal in border regions across India, including Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
Aggarwala said the message should go to the world that Kashmir is peaceful and prosperous now. “Earlier, international forums were filled with propaganda about Kashmir. Today, people here are happy, shops are open, and the atmosphere is normal,” he said.
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