Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 5: Eminent thought leaders have described the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as an opportunity for people towards the path of peace, inclusive narrative, democracy and progress.
They were speaking in an important webinar on the occasion of 2nd anniversary of inoperability of Article 370 and 35-A.,
Ashok Bhan -Senior Advocate and Chairman-Kashmir (Policy & Strategy) Group, opened the discussion and drew attention towards the liberal funding to J&K for developmental works. “While allocation of Rs 800 billion was made to Jammu & Kashmir, the UT is also likely to get Rs 50 billion from 40 corporate houses for investment as corporate funding in various sectors like Tourism, Renewable Energy, Hospitality, Education and Infrastructure,” he said, adding that the current LG administration is pushing with development projects with a remarkable speed.
Manzoor Ahmad Shah -a native from Pulwama practicing Law in England, said that Kashmiri politicians, particularly the separatist leadership need to play a constructive role. “Rather than misleading people, they need to understand the real ground situation and realize that their hollow slogans have done utmost damage and brought about death and destruction to Kashmiris.
Gh Hassan Mir -former Minister, stressed that democratic process through election should happen soon, as LG rule is not being fair and honest in governance and to democracy, “There is a need for healing touch policy and all the trust deficit between Delhi and Kashmir has to end,” he said.
Barrister Hamid Bashani -a native of PoK said that Pakistan is making Constitutional amendments to give a status to Gilgit/ Baltistan and PoK. These changes, he said, can be gauged by observing Shias who constituted more than 80 percent of G-B population in 1948 but have now been reduced to less than 40 percent, he said, adding that voices for Rights in Gilgit- Baltistan are suppressed by law enforcement agencies and the nationalist leaders are subjected to torture and imprisonment for peaceful protests.
Maj Gen B K Sharma -a native of Bhadarwah and Director of prestigious think tank-USI, said that the idea of Naya Kashmir has to be delivered at grassroot level on a fast-track basis. “The situation of J&K needs to be seen from an angle of national security and the narrative of radicalisation needs to be addressed.
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