Ø 3 families had hijacked democracy in J&K
Ø Never allowed Panchayat elections
Ø PM Modi ensured democracy at grassroot level
Ø JK politicians bought Vilas in foreign countries
Ø G-20 became best platform to showcase Kashmir peace
Ø Hotel room capacity to increase 3 times in next 5 years
SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Jun 23: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his outreach to the Kashmiri youth, emphasized that their future lies not in wielding guns and stones but in the vast Indian and global markets eagerly awaiting their talents.
Speaking at the inauguration of several projects in Rajbhawan Srinagar, Shah dismissed those who had misguided the youth by arming them, asserting that their intentions were never in the best interest of the young generation. Encouraging the Kashmiri youth to embrace change, he urged them to pick up laptops and venture forth, highlighting the immense prospects awaiting them in the thriving Indian and global job arenas.
Shah acknowledged the significant transformation that Kashmir has undergone in recent years, with measures taken to control school closures, strikes, and violence, fostering an atmosphere of peace. He shared the impressive statistic of 1.88 Crore tourists visiting Kashmir the previous year, underscoring the need to accommodate the rising influx. Promising to address this issue, Shah assured the people that hotel room capacity in the Valley would triple in the next five years, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience for all tourists.
Critiquing the Gandhi, Abdullah, and Mufti families, Shah contended that they had impeded grassroots democracy from flourishing in the region for decades. Highlighting the importance of change, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for instigating Panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating the spread of democracy to every village.
Shah drew attention to the positive impact of various small-scale schemes on the lives of J&K residents, emphasizing the unprecedented financial support provided to farmers. For the first time in 70 years, 12.43 lakh farmers in J&K receive an annual sum of Rs 6000 in their accounts, marking a significant shift in policy.
Regarding the issue of corruption, Shah lamented the mismanagement of funds, asserting that money was never lacking in J&K but failed to reach its intended beneficiaries due to rampant corruption. He questioned the source of wealth that allowed politicians to acquire luxurious homes abroad, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency.
The Home Minister celebrated the establishment of prominent institutions like AIIMS, IIM, and IIT in Kashmir, emphasizing the transformative benefits they bring. Additionally, he announced plans to enhance the appeal of Dal Lake and Tatoo ground, making them major attractions that every Indian would desire to visit in Srinagar.
Taking a swipe at National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Shah credited J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the successful G-20 summit, asserting that their personal efforts propelled the event to new heights. He believed that the progress witnessed in Kashmir in recent years deserved global recognition, and the G-20 summit served as the perfect platform for showcasing it.
