Guv’s message to militants: India is superpower, none can break it

‘Politicians sold dreams to people for 50 years’

Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Oct 11: Governor Satya Pal Malik today charged political parties and separatist organizations with “telling lies and selling dreams” to the people of Kashmir for last 50 years on the name of autonomy, independence and Pakistan and sent out a categoric message to the militants that nothing such will happen as India is a superpower and none can break it.
Addressing a function on 30th anniversary celebrations of `SECMOL’ at Leh this morning, his first visit outside Kashmir region after taking over as the Governor on August 25, Malik maintained that the militancy hasn’t succeeded anywhere and cited example of Sri Lanka’s Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to deliver strong message to the militants that “most powerful and committed organization” like LTTE, which had its own helicopters and Navy, didn’t survive. Click here to watch video
In his about 20-minute speech, Malik, without naming any political party or separatist organizations, said: “For the last 50 years, they (politicians and separatists) have just told lies and sold dreams to them on autonomy, (independent) country and (merger with) Pakistan.
“But, nothing such will happen, India is a superpower and no one can break it. There are 300 children (militants). We don’t want to kill them. We only want to kill terrorism so that they start believing that the path, they have chosen, is wrong and they come out of it. And new militants don’t join”.
The Governor virtually gave a clear cut message to the militants to shun the path chosen by them elaborating how “most powerful and dreaded militant organization” in the world, the LTTE, didn’t survive.
“They (the LTTE) had their own Navy and planes. They were funded by 10 countries. Even 10 to 12 year old girls were trained in jungle warfare and recruited as human bombs. They couldn’t survive long and were finished. Here, we have only 300 boys (militants) and India is a very powerful nation,” he asserted.
However, the Governor maintained, he has no anger or hate for them (the militants) but love and stressed that every issue can be resolved with the talks.
Noting that it was the youth between 13 to 30 years of age, who accounted for 46 per cent in the State, whose issues need to be addressed, he took a dig at the politicians for making “an issue out of nothing”. If someone sneezes at Lal Chowk, it is an issue for them (the politicians), he asserted.
Malik said the youth between 13-30 years of age is “nursery of terrorism” and maintained that their issues have to be addressed saying they were angry with everyone-be it India, Pakistan, Hurriyat Conference and political parties.
“This category of youth has their issues which we need to address. They are brilliant cricketers. I’ve spoken to the IPL Chairman to arrange IPC matches in the Valley. They have nothing to do after 6 pm. I have asked all Deputy Commissioners to arrange land for play grounds. We can have dialogue with them. Give them (the youth) creative work to do,” the Governor said.
“My opinion on talking to the youth was not based on the reports of Government officials, Intelligence agencies or politicians but after obtaining detailed assessment from the youth working in the field. I have reached a conclusion that whatever talks have to be held should be held with these youth,” Malik said.
At the same time, he said, the people of the State have their own flag and Constitution. “You are already special,” he said addressing the people.
He added that the mandate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been very clear to him.
“The mandate is not any political assignment but total concentration on development of the State and outreach the people,” he said.
An official handout said:-Governor, Satya Pal Malik today presided over the 30th Anniversary celebration of SECMOL, founded by Sonam Wangchuck at Phey, Leh. He was accompanied by Advisors; BB Vyas, K Vijay Kumar, Kurshid Ahmad Ganai; B V R Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary and Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor.
Besides, Dorjey Mutup, CEC, LAHDC, Tsering Angdus, EC (Agri) Gyal Wangyal, EC (Health) Tsering Sandup, EC (Tourism), Muntaz Hussain, EC (Animal Sheep Husbandry) Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Sargun Shukla, Senior Superintendent of Police Leh, Army officers and other dignitaries alongwith, the students were present on the occasion.
While appreciating the efforts of SECMOL in providing education and life skills to the students, Governor said that “empowerment comes with the education and people which give priority to education ensure a bright future for their nation, taking it on the path of development in the true sense.”
He appreciated Sonam Wangchuk for his commitment and conviction in taking up challenges and lauded his endeavour in keeping youth connected to their roots with a sense of honour in their rich culture, traditional knowledge and moral values.
He stressed on ensuring opportunities for the creative engagement of youth and enabling them to explore their potential and excel in different fields. He said that the priority of Governor’s administration is on outreach and interaction with people at ground level and hearing their grievances. He added that their efforts are on to create an atmosphere for dialogue to address the issue of Kashmir.
A memorandum between Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) and Kashmir University and a memorandum between HIAL and J&K Bank for coordinated efforts and financial assistance in running of the University in Pheyang was signed in presence of the Governor.

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