Delimitation process underway
Srinagar, June 11 :Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday rejected the rumours of further bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir terming them “baseless and mischievous conspiracy theories circulated by a small section of anti-national elements”.
Speaking to a Times Now news channel, LG Sinha said that some people are spreading false rumours to keep their political interests relevant in Jammu and Kashmir.
“These are completely baseless rumours. I refute them with all the responsibility. Many people who don’t have anything meaningful to do are taking support of rumours and emotions to mislead public for their own vested interests,” he said.
On troops movement in Kashmir, Sinha said that movement of paramilitary forces doesn’t indicate anything.
“These paramilitary forces were deputed to West Bengal for poll duty and are returning now. Some 60 companies were allotted to J&K and they are returning. They were in quarantine and now moving to their respective postings,” he said.
“Moreover, there is normal practice of troop movement in anticipation of Amarnath Yatra.”
Whether the government would go ahead with the Amarnath Yatra despite Covid pandemic, Sinha said that the final decision would be taken after proper analysis of the situation.
“We had started registration of Amarnath Yatra and we stopped it because of COVID. Final decision on Yatra will be taken after proper analysis of the situation. It’s important to save lives of people,” Sinha said
On Assembly polls and the delimitation process, the LG Sinha said that Prime Minister Narendera Modi on August 15 at Red Fort has said that after the delimitation process would be completed, assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held.
“Home Minister Amit Shah has given the similar assurance in Parliament. And any word given in a parliament holds significance,” he said.
Sinha said the delimitation process is going on and Deputy Commissioners of 20 districts have been asked 18 questions regarding delimitation.
On National Conference (NC) willingness to participate in the delimitation process, Sinha said by taking part in the process, the party is performing their constitutional duty.
“Those who are in Parliament must take part in the process initiated through an act of parliament,” he said.
On the security situation, Sinha said that the record number of tourist footfall this year is a testimony that the entire country believes that Kashmir is a safe place to travel.
“You can see the number of tourists flocking to J&K. Even tourists know there is no security issue. Valley hotels saw advance bookings till April this year before covid second wave hit,” he said
Sinha said “terror related” incidents have come down and forces have upper hand on militants in the Valley.
“There are some standalone terror incidents, deliberately done to vitiate the atmosphere of peace and development. We have taken serious note and perpetrators shall be brought to book. There are a handful people trying to disrupt peace and we’ll ensure they are taken to task,” Sinha said.
On alleged discrimination against Jammu, Sinha said there’s not a single decision in last 11 months that have been taken which indicates discrimination between Jammu and Kashmir.
“Both are our two eyes and equally vital for us. That time of discrimination is long gone,” he said.
On adding NCC in the curriculum, Sinha said that enough water has flown down the Jhelum.
“All govt offices now hoist Tricolour. People who were opposed to NCC are now silenced.Tricolouris flying high in the valley,” he said. “Recently, I met an NCC cadet from Anantnag who was bravely carrying Indian flag. The Youth of Kashmir wants change and a new era has started and the youth are embracing it fully.”