Ruling National Conference (NC) MP from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Wahid Para got a dressing down from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on July 10. Without naming either of them, it could be easily discerned by everyone in the audience in Srinagar that Sinha’s ire was directed at these two men.
In his address, Sinha issued a stern warning to divisive elements in the society to stop spreading fake and dangerous narratives that threaten peace and harmony. “Some people are giving irresponsible statements by saying that guests (read tourists) are spoiling the culture of J&K. They are stating there is a demographic invasion and alcoholism is spreading. This is the similar narrative as of terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF). I appeal to those making such statements to stop peddling such narrative. We have already lost many innocent lives due to similar statements in the past,” he said.
It bears mention here that Aga Ruhullah had called tourists from all parts of India and abroad visiting J&K as cultural invaders. In a long winding interview with a private portal, Ruhullah had expressed these views. In this interview, he had also targeted Omar Abdullah indirectly and this has already put Ruhullah in the ranks of rebels within the NC, speaking out of turn.
PDP legislator Wahid Para, on the other hand, had talked about demographic invasion of J&K implying that too many people from outside were coming in. He had said that after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, flood gates have opened and outsiders were acquiring domicile certificates and settling in J&K.
Sinha did not name any of these two men but his contempt for spreaders of such narratives was crystal clear to those who were hearing him. He reiterated his resolve to ensure justice for the families of terror victims and warned that those responsible for their sufferings will be held accountable.
“We are honouring and delivering justice to real terror victims of Kashmir valley. I recently met terror victim families in Anantnag. SRO-43 was compromised in the past. Instead of those who are entitled for jobs, the killers were granted jobs under SRO-43. Whoever misused the SRO-43, will face action,” Sinha said. Incidentally, south Kashmir, once considered a hotbed of terrorism, is also where the PDP had flourished once. Anantnag district was where late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed experimented with his brand of politics, won once in the Lok Sabha elections and rose to prominence.
The LG shared the remarkable growth story of the country and Union Territory (UT) of J&K in the past few years. He said: “Since 2014, our great nation is rapidly moving towards becoming a global superpower with new resolve, new thinking and a new roadmap. Within the last six years, Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has written a new history of J&K. It is new J&K where children have pens in their hands and not stones, schools and colleges remain open throughout the year, where calendars of international programmes are published instead of bandhs and strikes.’’
Sinha further said that it is this new J&K where our youth is achieving new heights in innovation and research. It’s a new J&K where our youth is now focusing on start-ups and starting their own business ventures. “Now in the new J&K, instead of slogans of separatism, the noise of factories, tourists and people’s laughter is being heard,” he said.
The LG highlighted that in the last five to six years, J&K’s economy has doubled. “The UT of J&K has become a favourite investment designation and more BPOs are also coming up in the UT. J&K Bank which was earlier at the loss of Rs 1,300 cr is now at the profit of Rs 1,700 cr,’’ he added.
“J&K is writing stories of its golden era by ensuring equal opportunities to the aspirations of the deprived classes, farmers, women and the youth. What was previously impossible in J&K has been made possible,” the LG further said.
He said the next 22 years for the UT in the journey of Amrit Kaal, provided we give the new generation an opportunity to play a big role in this development journey of the nation. “Under the leadership of PM Modi, Central Schemes and innovations will shape our youth’s dream into reality. I am looking forward to the day when youth from J&K will join the space sector, become an astronaut to explore new frontiers of space,” Sinha said.
He commended the ‘Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025’ initiative aimed at creating awareness about government schemes, welfare programmes and highlighting innovation and technology driven development across multiple sectors. He said the two-day mega exhibition will educate and engage youth, students, farmers, entrepreneurs and every section of society with real-time exposure of government services and build the bridge between government and the people.
Sinha observed that the presence of the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Space, Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ministry of Tourism and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) the exhibition is a significant step towards inclusive development.
He emphasised that the schools and colleges should visit the exhibition in large numbers to inspire youth and encourage their contribution to Jammu & Kashmir’s development journey. The 3-day long event will feature interactive Exhibitions from central ministries, PSUs, institutions, and national boards; Live Demonstrations & Hands-on Experiences for students and visitors; Workshops, Seminars & Expert Talks on topics like innovation, sustainability, and government support; Skill Zones, career guidance sessions, and youth empowerment modules and showcase of local success stories and integration of local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Er. Gulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Shri Tarun Jain, Director, Tarmeh Events; officials from Central government departments and UT Administration, prominent citizens, innovators, entrepreneurs and youth in large number were present when Sinha inaugurated ‘Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025’ exhibition and public outreach initiative at Srinagar.
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