‘Violence down but people’s hopes high from PM’
*Record of previous rulers bad enough
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched frontal attack on National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, though without naming him, on his remarks that the killings in the Kashmir valley won’t stop till justice is done as he quoted series of massacres across erstwhile State which took place when he was the CM from 1996-2002.
“Some persons talk of justice. To whom it (the justice) has to be given”? he asked at a book release function at Raj Bhawan Srinagar. Only yesterday, Dr Farooq Abdullah, in a function at Reasi, stated that the killings would not stop till justice is delivered.
Sinha quoted the story of a Taliban commander in his speech saying he indulged in reckless killings to create sense of insecurity among the people to convey that neither the civilians nor the administration can live peacefully till there was Taliban rule.
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“A Taliban commander was known for series of barbaric killings even in hospitals, schools, places of crowd and funerals. On being confronted by a person as to what moral ground he has to defend such killings, the commander ‘honestly’ replied that they don’t do public service. Neither can they give water, power, road, schools or hospitals to the people. So, they promise sense of security to the people but how will they give security till they create sense of insecurity,” he quoted the recent story.
Without naming Dr Farooq Abdullah, who headed the National Conference Government from 1996-2002, the Lieutenant Governor said if he quoted the figures their faces will be blackened…they will render red faced and have no place to hide.
“But I feel it necessary to say that the persons who run this State for long must know that 26 Kashmiri Pandits were massacred at Wandhama in 1998. Who was (the CM) then? Twenty six civilians were killed at Prankote in Udhampur in 1998. There was a carnage at Chapnari in Doda in which 25 civilians lost their lives. Thirty five Sikhs were killed at Chittisinghpora in 2000. Thirty two persons including seven Muslim brethren died during terror attack on Shri Amarnath Ji yatra in 2000. Seventeen persons were killed in Litter. Many died at Qasim Nagar,” Sinha said quoting the massacres that took place during Farooq’s tenure as the Chief Minister.
Sinha hit out at the critics of the Government on killings of non-Muslims in the Union Territory saying the record of previous rulers was bad enough to “blacken their faces.”
“Those raising questions that violence has gone up after abrogation of Article 370 should go through the figures. There has been massive decline in the killings. But its true that some innocents have been killed. But its also true that an ecosystem was intentionally created and we are trying to end that very ecosystem,” he said.
He, however, expressed satisfaction that during last two to two and half years, no innocent has been killed with the bullet of security forces or police.
“If you see the figures, the violence has come down to half from 2016-19 to 2019-22. However, expectations are very high as there is a Prime Minister on whom entire world and people have faith. Even one small incident shook people of the country. They want that no incident should occur,” Sinha said.
He added that a befitting reply has been given to the militants and their commanders. Intelligence-based operations have been intensified. Efforts are on to end the ecosystem, he asserted.
“Today, no bandh is called (in the Valley) at the behest of the neighbour (Pakistan). Schools are running. No business establishment is closed forcibly. We have succeeded in ensuring that common man earns his livelihood with peace,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“Curbs have been put on terror funding and support and those who are still indulging in it will have the last nail hammered into their coffins,” he added.
The Lt Governor urged every section of the society to identify those who are misguiding the people and trying to disrupt the peace and development process in the UT.
“I want to tell those who are trying to disrupt peace in J&K that you have made a big mistake. I assure the people they will be severely punished. We will not rest until we strike the last nail in the coffin of terrorism, he said.”
The Lt Governor was speaking during the unveiling event of a book ‘The Slum Queen’ by Rouble Nagi.
The book encompasses the author’s transformative journey as an artist and social worker and her dedication for betterment of the lives of the underprivileged, an official handout said.
The Lt Governor commended the efforts of the author and her art foundation for empowering women, creating job opportunities for youth and ensuring children’s education.
He also appreciated the work being done by them in Baramulla and Kupwara districts of Kashmir.
The Lt Governor urged the individuals and volunteer organizations to come forward and complement the Government’s efforts to selflessly serve the underprivileged sections of the society and for socio-economic empowerment of women and the youth.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor threw light on the golden history of women empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir. The world’s first woman guerrilla force and countless examples of great women leadership, sacrifice and bravery have made valuable contributions in the development of UT, he added.
“Today, Jammu Kashmir is moving towards regaining its lost glory of women empowerment and creating an ecosystem of women entrepreneurs,” he further added.
In the last two years, more than 10,000 girls have become entrepreneurs and they have been provided with training, financial assistance and market linkage. The handicrafts products of women self-help groups are reaching different cities of the country and abroad through Amazon & Flipkart, Sinha noted.
The Lt Governor also spoke on the interventions like Aao School Chalen Campaign, Talaash Survey of the Government to ensure that every child goes to school and other initiatives like mentorship program, necessary infrastructure for girls’ education, tablets and laptops with content for children, Atal Tinkering labs, smart schools for children belonging to underprivileged section of society, increased average scholarship for children from poor families, vocational courses, seasonal Centers for Migratory Tribal Population, enchantment of salaries of seasonal teachers etc.
These efforts are yielding favorable results and last year enrollment drive has registered a 14.5% increase. 93,000 out of school children have been identified and being brought to school within just one year, he added.
During an interaction session with the author, the Lt Governor highlighted the youth-oriented initiatives being taken by the government under the aegis of Mission Youth.
Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, speaking on the occasion congratulated the author for the launch of her book. She also appreciated the LG-led UT Government for taking reformative measures for promoting cultural and artistic activities and working for the overall development of J&K.
Altaf Bukhari, senior politician and president, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party commended Rouble Nagi and her Art Foundation for taking internationally recognized initiatives for the welfare of the underprivileged.
He highlighted the contribution of the Lt Governor for bringing a positive change in Jammu Kashmir and ensuring a peaceful environment for all.
Vikramaditya Singh, former Legislator, remembered the reforms introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh for the empowerment of women in J&K.
Speaking on the occasion, Rouble Nagi- the author of the Book highlighted the objectives of her art foundation and spoke on the ongoing initiatives of the foundation in J&K as well as across the country with an aim to improve the quality of life of the people.
She informed that her Art foundation has repaired and painted around 1.5 lakh houses so far and as of today her team is working in 163 slums and villages in other parts of the country. She also spoke on the Badalta Kashmir chapter from her book.
Volunteers of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation shared their views and experiences on the occasion.
Senior officials, renowned journalists and prominent citizens from all walks of life attended the book unveiling event at Raj Bhawan Auditorium.
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