Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the "jungle raj" was a major hindrance to flourishing democracy besides peace and development. "(Atal Bihari) Vajpayee ji’s principle of Jamhooriyat was not allowed to flourish on the ground for decades.
"There was a famous collector sahib tradition of democracy. And, the nominations of MLAs of four or five regions were held at his house. So, on one hand, there were elected representatives of the people and on the other, the representatives of Collector Sahib. But, the eve of 2020 ended this ‘Jungle Raj’ and the entire Jammu and Kashmir participated in the fair, transparent and violence-free elections of DDC. The people who have been elected are the actual representatives of people and not of Collector Sahib," Sinha said in his address during the Independence day celebrations in Srinagar.
The main function of Independence day was celebrated at Sheri Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar where LG hoisted the tricolour and accepted the guard of honour. In the rest of the districts, DDC chairpersons hoisted the tricolour.
Sinha said that elements who are instigating the youth in Kashmir towards violence will be given a befitting reply.
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"We want to assure all citizens that whoever is trying to mislead the young people through proxy war, shall be given a befitting reply. The neighboring country, which does not care for its own people, has been making a malicious attempt to instigate some of our youth. I call upon such misguided youngsters, that terrorism is a curse for peace and development," Sinha said.
"By misguiding you from the path of peace and progress, inimical forces are denying you the life of peace and dignity on this pious soil. In 2019, the Hon’ble Prime Minister had marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir. With your ability, energy and unparalleled patience, Jammu and Kashmir shall have a prosperous future," he said.
The LG enumerated the development and progress made after the abrogation of Article 370. He mentioned the development projects including opening up of medical colleges and the government's measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The LG said that 10 lakh jobs will be created for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming decade.
Sinha also said that the administration will restore the properties of migrant Kashmiri pandits from those who have forcibly occupied them. "The administration has 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. I request all citizens to support the administration in this effort and set a new example of brotherhood for this universe," he said.
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