‘J&K youth to be given full freedom to express themselves’
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, July 27: Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, today said that the “fringe elements” trying to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir should not be given any space.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
Addressing the University of Kashmir during the Mega Alumni Meet, the Minister said the people of J&K are extremely positive and want to progress.
“I have seen that the people of J&K are extremely positive. They want to progress and they have shown the way,” he said.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Rijiju stated that a strong India is incomplete without a strong J&K, stressing that the youth of J&K will be given “full space” to express themselves.
“When I talk about a strong India, I don’t see it as complete without a strong J&K. I want to assure the youth of J&K that we will make you proud by giving you full space to echo your voice, to speak out. All the freedom that you deserve-you will get it,” he said.
“We must then speak as true Indians. “We are all proud Indians, because India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.”
“People of J&K have shown the way, but there are a few elements that come from outside the country who make attempts, from time to time, to derail those efforts,” he said.
The Minister said that these elements must not be given space in society. “All the negative elements which come from outside our country must be kept at bay. KU will be a torch bearing force to show the positive light for the people of J&K.”
“We cannot just brush aside the minority elements we treat as fringe elements and allow them to take space. It takes only a few attempts by some negative elements to create trouble for society,” he said.
“I firmly believe that the alumni and the University of Kashmir have the power to set the right narrative for the future of J&K. It can do much more than it has done so far,” he added.
Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the tone for achieving what could not be achieved in the last 75 years.
“When we celebrate the centenary year of India’s independence, India should have achieved the status of a developed nation.”
Regarding the idea of justice, he said it is not only delivered in courtrooms but goes beyond that to ensuring people have access to basic necessities.
“Ordinary people should get basic things in their lives without any struggle. Potable water, roads, clothes and a quality life are basic requirements; and as part of the democratic process, it is incumbent upon us to ensure these things are delivered to the people-that is real justice,” he said.
“Judges are doing everything to ensure that justice is delivered, but justice has to go much beyond the courtrooms.”
Speaking about the event, he said the alumni of the University have achieved success in their respective fields and it was appropriate to celebrate their accomplishments.
He also lauded the University for securing NAAC A++ accreditation, terming it a tremendous achievement.
He added that the University of Kashmir is among the first universities to not only adopt but also implement the NEP.
Speaking about Ghulam Nabi Azad in the gathering, the Union Minister said that Azad has been a guide for him. “When he was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, I learned a lot from him.”
About Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Union Minister said, “I have assured him that from my Ministry of Minority Affairs, he will have full cooperation for J&K.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
