Srinagar, Aug 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said conducting District Development Council (DDC) elections ended the jungle raj in Jammu and Kashmir and stated that they are committed to ensuring dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits.
In his Independence Day address in Srinagar, Sinha said DDC elections witnessed a record number of participation of people empowering grassroots level democracy.
Terming the abrogation of Article 370 as a new dawn of development in the region, he said the next 25 years will see a new wave of development and peace in J&K.
“A collective approach will be put in place to achieve these new targets and goals till 2045, LG said.
Appealing youth to return to mainstream, Sinha said, “Violence is hurdle in achieving peace and development. Whosoever is involved in such acts will be dealt with strictly.”
Referring to the words of former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ‘Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat’, he said they are following the path shown by him, are trying to implement comprehensive and constructive programs for equal development of the region,” he said.
Sinha said the administration is committed to ensuring the dignified return of the Kashmiri Pandit brothers. We have decided to constitute a mechanism to provide justice to those families, whose properties have been illegally bought under pressure or encroached upon by certain elements, he said.
“I request all citizens to support the administration in this effort and set a new example of brotherhood for this universe,” he said.
He also appreciated Police, Army and paramilitary, who have kept the unity, the integrity of India intact with their amazing valour, courage, and sacrifice”. “I am proud that Jammu and Kashmir Police has received 257 gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day," LG said.
Sinha said government along with youth of Jammu and Kashmir would transform the entire region into Shalamar Garden, once again.
He said despite two Covid waves, 13,357 projects under various schemes have been completed last year and several steps for public welfare are being taken to take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights.