NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has stated that, in heart of hearts, people of Kashmir Valley also support abrogation of Article 370 though they may not say so openly.
They realise that Art 370 deprived them of the benefits available to people in the rest of country while serving the purpose of only a handful few in power, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 has garnered widespread support from across the sections of people across the length and breadth of Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking at the “Rashtra Sarvopari Summit” organised by Republic TV on the theme “New India, New Kashmir,” Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that the people of Jammu & Kashmir do not favour the reinstatement of Article 370.
Highlighting the peaceful conduct of recent elections in the region, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that there were no instance of election boycott, signalling a positive shift in the political landscape. He pointed out that before the abrogation of Article 370, key provisions of the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution, which empower local bodies and panchayats, were not implemented in Jammu & Kashmir. “Earlier, financial resources were not reaching the grassroots level, but now funds are directly benefiting the locals,” he remarked.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also mentioned that the youth of Jammu & Kashmir are now aligning with mainstream India, driven by the opportunities arising from the country’s growing global stature. He observed that the last 25-30 years of Jammu & Kashmir were marred by terrorism, but the past decade has witnessed significant improvements, including a tenfold increase in start-ups. Welfare schemes that were previously stalled are now being implemented smoothly.
The Minister further pointed out that the record-breaking 2.5 crore tourists visiting Jammu & Kashmir this year is a clear indicator of the region’s return to normalcy.
On the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK), Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that it is an integral part of India.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he assured that Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood will be restored at an appropriate time.
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh touched upon India’s ambitious space exploration plans, stating that the country is expected to send humans into space by 2025. He also expressed hope that India will achieve its goal of sending a manned mission to the Moon by 2040.
