Security situation under control in J&K; violence free Panchayat, DDC polls held
VIVEK SHARMA
JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that elections to the Legislative Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir are not possible till the delimitation process is complete.
“Hope everyone works towards completing the delimitation process in a time-bound manner”, Sinha said in an interview with a national television channel on Saturday.
Renewing his full faith in democracy, the Lt Governor said that elections to District Development Councils in a peaceful manner stand testimony to it. There was no violence in these elections which were held for the first time. The polling percentage was up to 40 per cent in several districts, which had witnessed low polling earlier in recent years. With the violence-free conduct of polls, the three-tier governance under Panchayati Raj has become possible, he added.
To a pointed question on ‘Gupkar Gang’, Sinha retorted back, saying that there is no such gang for him.
“I do not agree with this”, Sinha said, asking the questioner to put this question to those who have formed the alliance. He elaborated saying that for him Gupkar Alliance is not a gang. He said that he has met all the mainstream leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. He said, he has even replied to an e-mail from the daughter of Mehbooba Mufti.
On overall scenario, Sinha said that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is under control. The security forces are working in tandem to foil drone threat on vital installations.
He said that the security situation is much better than the last year and the situation is under control of security forces.
On recent political killings in Kashmir, Sinha said the comparative study shows the number of such incidents having declined. He said at times there were security lapses also at the level of protectees also.
To a question as to who from among the NC or the BJP will be the Chief Minister of the J&K UT, Sinha said it is for the people to decide. “My duty is to conduct free and fair elections”, he said.
To another question, the Lt Governor referred to the promise held out by the Home Minister in Parliament about restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time. This was repeated during the recently held All Parties Meeting in the national capital, he added.
About Mehbooba’s address in the APM, Sinha said that nothing objectionable was stated there. He said there is nothing wrong in anybody mentioning about the implementation of ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
The Lieutenant Governor asserted that a new Jammu and Kashmir is emerging where a lot of potential for development is available.
“We will ensure that Jammu and Kashmir shines as jewel in the crown of India”, he said, adding this will happen as per the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He spoke on a volley of subjects including tackling terror, declining incidents of stone pelting and efforts for restoration of peace in the Union Territory.
To a question on development, Sinha said, “People are the best judges. They know how the development is taking place in the Union Territory. Besides mega projects, work on AIIMS in Jammu is on progress, tendering process for AIIMS Srinagar has almost been completed while seven GMCs have been made operational. Jammu is being developed as a rich tourist hub”.
He also spoke on Covid management and said that vaccination is being carried out on a large scale. In several districts, more than 90 percent vaccination has been done, Sinha added.