Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are slated to be conducted before September, as affirmed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday. However, he emphasised that the Election Commission of India oversees the electoral process.
Speaking to the media, Sinha dismissed any intention of contesting in the Parliamentary elections from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, asserting his dedication to focusing on the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir.
While noting that Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir will coincide with the national schedule, Sinha revealed that the Election Commission will visit the Union Territory on March 12.
Responding to queries regarding the timing of Assembly elections, Sinha assured that they will transpire before September, alongside the eventual restoration of statehood.
He clarified that the Government remains prepared for elections once the Election Commission issues the directive.
Regarding his connection to Ghazipur, his birthplace, Sinha acknowledged his ongoing engagement but underscored his paramount commitment to serving in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing calls for dialogue with Pakistan by some lawmakers, Sinha reiterated the Indian government's stance, emphasiSing that discussions are contingent on Pakistan's behavior. He affirmed a willingness to engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and youth.
"We will talk to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and youth," he said.
When asked if there would be no discussions if Pakistan continued to behave badly, he said that there would be no negotiations till then.
"We are addressing not simply terrorism, but the whole terrorist ecosystem," he maintained.
"Some incidences (of targeted killings) occurred, and we took action. Jammu and Kashmir will soon be free of targeted killings as well," he said, adding that he can confidently state that the targeted killings were carried out at Pakistan's request.
Sinha categorically stated that political detainees are non-existent in Jammu & Kashmir. However, he warned that individuals challenging the nation's unity and integrity will face repercussions.
With regard to security challenges, Sinha acknowledged occasional terrorist infiltration attempts, particularly exploiting ceasefires.
He lauded the security forces' comprehensive approach to counter such threats, resulting in a significant reduction in violence and enhanced civilian safety.
"They initially focused on Kashmir but subsequently expanded to Rajouri and Poonch. The Army, paramilitary forces, and police are now making 360-degree security measures, and border regions will be under control," Sinha said.
He claimed that there has been a 75% reduction in violence, and civilian and security personnel murders in Jammu and Kashmir and that the deployment of security troops in the Valley has decreased significantly in comparison to previous years.
"Previously, folks in the Valley would run home in the evening, but now they enjoy the nightlife. Stone pelting is no longer practiced. Srinagar has better marketplaces than Delhi," the Lieutenant Governor maintained.
He stated that the UT Government has received industrial development proposals totaling Rs 90,000 crore and that Rs 15,000 crore worth of projects are already underway, with the remainder set to become a reality soon.
"Jammu and Kashmir has become No. 1 in the country in e-Services," said Sinha.
He also mentioned the grant of ST status to Paharis and other tribes without diluting the quota of Gujjars and Bakerwals, reservation for OBCs in jobs, educational institutions, Panchayats and Municipalities, the Forest Rights Act to Gujjars and Bakerwals, Gadi, Sippi, and Sinna, citizenship rights to West Pakistan refugees, and many other steps taken by the Narendra Modi government to empower the people.
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