Post-august 5, 2019, Democracy Took Up Deep Roots in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday asserted that post-August 5, 2019 democracy has taken up deep roots in Jammu and Kashmir, the manifestation of which was the “huge and enthusiastic” participation of the people in the last Lok Sabha elections.

In a statement issued on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, Mr. Sinha said, “In the past five years democracy has taken deep roots in the Union Territory of J&K. Enthusiastic participation and record voter turnout in the recently held Lok Sabha election is a testimony to people's faith in the constitution and internalisation of the spirit of democracy”.

He said that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “we have kept the flame of inclusive development and social equality burning ever-bright illuminating J&K’s journey in the past five years. Also, the economically deprived section of the society has been empowered”.

He claimed that J&K’s overall economy has been growing at an impressive pace. “Rapid growth and transformation in sectors like health, education, public works, urban and rural development and power over the past five years are unprecedented in J&K’s history,” he said, adding that the post-August 5, 2019 period “bears sufficient proof that women, youth, farmers and entrepreneurs have excelled themselves and they are wholeheartedly contributing to the sacred duty of nation building”.

Mr. Sinha further claimed that J&K today is witnessing an era of peace, progress and prosperity and hat schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and other public institutions are functioning without any disturbances. “Earlier practice of daily hartals, strikes, stone pelting and bandhs are things of the past now. J&K is certainly on the march. It has made sufficient progress, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, tourism, industrialization, social security, employment generation, livelihood creation, public outreach, transparency and providing basic facilities.”

He reiterated that the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar in May last year opened new avenues for global partnership that helped in tapping the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that J&K has recorded 2.11 crore tourist visits during 2023 which is the highest ever.

He said, “Our tourism initiatives have not only showcased the mesmerizing beauty of J&K but also spotlighted our culture and heritage. Owing to the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, J&K witnessed a 2.5 times increase in foreign tourist arrivals”.

The Lt. Governor asserted that in order to boost the industrial sector in J&K, an effective policy has been adopted and an enabling environment created which has led to receiving investment proposals worth Rs 1,26,582 crore with an expected employment potential of 4.74 lakhs.