Post Art 370 abrogation, terrorism breathing its last in J&K: Home Minister

Jammu, Apr 16: Accusing ‘Congress-NC-PDP’ trio of impairing democracy in J&K and exploiting youth, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tuesday stated that post Article 370 abrogation, terrorism was breathing its last in the Union Territory, due to strong leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He maintained that the highest number of fake encounters in J&K occurred during their (trio’s) tenure.

Addressing an election rally here at Paloura in support of BJP candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma, contesting from Jammu-Reasi parliamentary constituency, Shah said, “There was a time when we could not even imagine holding such a massive rally here. There used to be stone pelting, incidents of firing, bomb explosions; calls for shutdown from Pakistan and whole J&K was living under the ominous spectre of Article 370. Under the leadership of PM Modi, Jammu & Kashmir witnessed a transformation, from those past challenges of unrest, violence, and the impact of Article 370.”

“Today it (Article 370) has been repealed and terrorism is breathing its last. The youth, who used to resort to stone-pelting, have laptops in their hands, instead of stones. This implies a significant shift towards development and peace,” Union Home Minister said.

Accusing Congress, National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of exploiting youth (in Kashmir) in the name of protecting the valley, Shah stated that the highest number of fake encounters occurred during their tenure. “I want to address to the youth of Valley that these three parties in the name of protecting the Valley, exploited them (youth). I want to ask Dr Farooq Abdullah and the PDP under whose tenure, the highest number of fake encounters took place. Who sprayed bullets on children in (Kashmir) Valley and who placed guns in their (valley children’s) hands? These three parties were culpable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stopped these fake encounters; worked towards eradicating terrorism and engaging the youth in productive activities,” he said. Shah emphasized that Narendra Modi brought global recognition to Kashmiri products like Pashmina, apples, and handicrafts through initiatives like geo-tagging, thereby providing employment to youth and women.

“By successfully implementing the Home Stay Policy, the Narendra Modi-led BJP government has provided every individual with the means to earn from their homes. Under “Lakhpati Didi Yojana,” up to two lakh women in Jammu and Kashmir have been benefited. PM Modi has already announced to have 6 lakh more Lakhpati Didis in J&K in next five years. He (Modi) has decided that every elderly will get the Ayushman Bharat scheme and gas will be supplied through pipes. This is Narendra Modi’s promise,” he said.

Shah stated that PM Modi established peace and paved the way for development in the region. “For seventy years, Jammu and Kashmir lagged behind, plagued by protests and terrorism, hindering progress. PM Modi ended strikes, quelled violence, eradicated terrorism, and initiated the journey towards development. This change happened after the PM abrogated Article 370."

“Mehbooba Mufti used to say that if Article 370 was removed there would be no one to raise the Tiranga (tricolour). Mehboobaji, you and I are mortal but the tricolour is immortal. It will remain forever. Article 370 is gone but Tiranga is proudly fluttering here. None can dare touch it. Similarly, Farooq Abdullah would say – Modi cannot abrogate Article 370 even if he (Modi) becomes the Prime Minister, ten times. Let me remind him (Farooq), PM Modi did it (abrogated Article 370) in his second term only,” he mocked NC and PDP presidents.

“Due to its abrogation, women in J&K now have rights over ancestral property even after marrying outside (J&K); SC, ST and OBC have reservations and the vibrant village programme has benefitted the people. Make Modiji the Prime Minister for the third term and we will make the border villages developed like Jammu,” Shah said.

He alleged that the NC, PDP and the Congress made democracy defunct in Jammu and Kashmir. They did not allow the panchayat election to take place.

“But PM Modi has taken democracy to the grassroots by holding panchayat elections paving the way for 40,000 panchayat members to get elected. They took away your rights and we gave you all the rights. Today, the Sufi culture is flourishing again, Kheer Bhawani Mela is being celebrated in all its glory and the pilgrims are visiting Vaishno Devi and Amarnath. These parties have always insulted the Dogri language, and dishonoured Maharaja Hari Singh. But the Modi government has announced a holiday on his birthday and restored his honour. When Atal Ji became Prime Minister, the Dogri language was included in the eighth schedule and Modiji made it the official language,” he said.

“Kashmiri, Hindi Dogri, Urdu and English have become official languages, the Lakhanpur toll tax has stopped, women have got 33 percent reservation in assembly. We have rolled out the Right to Education Act, Forest Act, SC-ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, Whistle-blower Protection Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Minority Commission,” Union Home Minister said.