The Supreme Court has made a historic decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35 (A). The apex court has upheld the sovereignty and integrity of India. The Supreme Court is completely justified in saying that the decision taken on August 5, 2019, was taken to enhance constitutional integration and not with the aim of disintegration. The apex court has also recognized the fact that the nature of Article 370 was not permanent.
I have had the opportunity to be associated with the Jammu and Kashmir movement since the early stages of my life. Jammu and Kashmir was not just a political issue, rather the issue was about fulfilling the aspirations of the society. Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee had an important portfolio in the Nehru cabinet and he could have remained in the government for a long time. Nevertheless, he left the Cabinet over the Kashmir issue and chose the difficult path forward, even if it cost him his life. But due to his tireless efforts and sacrifice, crores of Indians became emotionally connected to the Kashmir issue.
Many years later, Atal ji gave an impressive message of 'Humanity', 'Democracy', and 'Kashmiriyat' in a public meeting in Srinagar, which has always been a great source of inspiration. I have always firmly believed that what happened in Jammu and Kashmir was a major betrayal of our nation and its people. I also had a strong desire to do whatever I could to eradicate this stigma and this injustice done to people.
Articles 370 and 35(A) were like major obstacles in front of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Because of these, the people of Jammu and Kashmir never got the rights and development that their fellow countrymen got. Because of these articles, distances arose between people of the same nation. I was very clear about one thing – the people of Jammu and Kashmir want development and they want to contribute to the development of India based on their strength and skills. They want a better quality of life for their children, a life free from violence and uncertainty. While serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir, we gave priority to three things – understanding the concerns of the citizens, building mutual trust through the actions of the government, and giving priority to development, and sustained growth.
I remember, that soon after we assumed power in the year 2014, there were devastating floods in Jammu and Kashmir, which caused a lot of damage in the Kashmir Valley. In September 2014, I visited Srinagar to assess the situation and also announced Rs 1,000 crore as special assistance for rehabilitation. This also sent a message to the people about how sensitive our government is to helping the people there during the crisis.
I have had the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life in Jammu and Kashmir and one common thread emerges in these conversations – people not only want development, but they also want freedom from decades of corruption. That year I decided not to celebrate Diwali in memory of those who lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir. I also decided to be present in Jammu and Kashmir on the day of Diwali.
To further strengthen the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir, we have decided that the ministers of our government will visit there frequently and communicate directly with the people there. These successive visits also played an important role in maintaining goodwill in Jammu and Kashmir. The Special Package of 2015 was an important step towards meeting the development needs of Jammu and Kashmir. This included initiatives related to infrastructure development, employment generation, promotion of tourism, and providing support to the handicraft industry.
Recognizing the potential of sports to realize the dreams of the youth, we made full use of it in Jammu and Kashmir. Through various sports, we saw the transformative impact of sports activities on the aspirations and future of the youth there. The most unique thing among all these was the encouragement of the establishment of football clubs at the local level. Its results turned out to be excellent. I am reminded of the name of talented football player Afshan Ashiq. She was part of a group that pelted stones in Srinagar in December 2014, but when given the right encouragement she turned to football, was sent for training, and excelled in the game. Panchayat elections also proved to be an important milestone in the direction of all-round development of this area. The success of the Panchayat elections indicated the democratic nature of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The historic day of 5th August is engraved in the heart and mind of every Indian. Our Parliament passed the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 and since then a lot has changed in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. All central laws are now implemented without any fear or favor, representation has also become more widespread than before. The three-tier Panchayati Raj system has come into force, BDC elections have been held, and refugee communities, who were almost forgotten, have also started getting the benefits of development. The major schemes of the Central Government have achieved 100 percent of the target. There has been progress in housing, tap water connections, and financial inclusion. Infrastructure has also been developed in the healthcare sector. Government vacancies, which were once prone to corruption and favoritism, have been filled through a transparent and fair process. The boost in infrastructure and tourism is there for all to see. Disillusionment, disappointment, and frustration have now been replaced by development, democracy, and dignity in Jammu and Kashmir.
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