Over 2 Crore Pilgrims Visit JK , Reopened Cinemas, Violence-Free Elections Mark a New Era : Amit Shah
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 15 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that for the first time in 33 years, over 2 crore pilgrims visited Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that after a 30-year hiatus, cinemas have reopened in Kashmir, and a Muharram procession took place for the first time in over three decades. Shah remarked that the level of investment in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years after the Abrogation of Article 370 has been comparable to the total received in the region during the previous 75 years since independence, which he believes indicates a prevailing peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
While speaking at an event on a national TV channel, Shah as per Kashmir Despatch pointed out that elections in Jammu and Kashmir were previously marred by violence. However, this time, elections for 30,000 panchayat members, including Panchs, Sarpanchs, Tehsil Panchayat, and Zila Panchayat members, were conducted without a single shot being fired, and no fatalities were reported. He emphasized that there was even no need for re-polling, which serves as a significant indicator of the improving situation in the region.
He further stated that thanks to the peaceful environment, the BJP government fulfilled its commitment by conducting Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the establishment of a popular government that underscores the region’s progress.
However, in response to questions regarding the restoration of statehood, Amit Shah mentioned that this would be addressed at the appropriate time, adding that it is not suitable to discuss such matters on a public platform.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
