Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Tuesday that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has significantly improved, indicating a potential reconsideration of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the Union Territory, which has grappled with terrorism and separatism for the past four decades.
In an interview with Gulistan News Channel, Shah asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is progressing towards peace, with a decline in terrorism and a cessation of stone pelting and corruption.
“Cinemas have reopened in Kashmir, and the Moharram procession was allowed after 30 years. A G20 event has boosted tourism in the valley. Both government and private job opportunities have increased. Over 750,000 youths have found employment, and small businesses have flourished,” he remarked.
The Union Home Minister said that they have stopped the unfair politics caused by Article 370. More pilgrims and tourists are visiting now. Some people said nothing good would happen if Article 370 was removed, but now we see that positive changes are on the ground, he said.
“I want to ask Kashmiris if their culture, language, and traditions are still protected without Article 370, like in other states. People in Jammu and Kashmir are feeling this positive change today. Under the shadow of Article 370, young people were led towards terrorism and separatism. Due to Pakistan’s involvement, over 40 thousand youths were killed in violence over the past four decades,” Shah said.
Regarding revocation of AFSPA, the union minister said that earlier there was less trust in the local police, but now they are leading operations effectively. Regarding AFSPA, which grants extensive powers to armed forces in disturbed areas, he expressed the government’s willingness to reconsider its application.
“While AFSPA has been lifted from 70% of areas in the northeastern states, it remains in force in Jammu and Kashmir. There have been calls from various quarters to revoke AFSPA, both in J-K and the northeastern states,” he said.
“The assembly elections in J-K would be held before September, fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s promise of democracy in the region. This democracy wouldn’t be dominated by a few families but would truly represent the people,” he added.
Regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Shah mentioned that OBCs in J-K have been granted reservations for the first time by the Modi government. He highlighted the inclusion of women with one-third reservation and the allocation of reservations for various communities without reducing existing shares.
Shah criticized leaders like Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti for trying to create discord regarding reservations. He questioned why these provisions weren’t implemented in the past 75 years by parties like the National Conference.
He said development has reached every corner, from small towns to local councils. The raising of the national flag at Clock Tower Lal Chowk and the increase in tourists and pilgrims mark the progress of Naya Kashmir.
During a recent large rally on March 8 in Srinagar, Union Minister Shah said the BJP isn’t after power but wants people to choose their representatives beyond the usual dynastic parties like Congress, National Conference, and PDP.
“The participation of around 30 thousand people in the Panchayat elections is a significant achievement for the Central Government. Shah urged people to recognize what’s best for them, emphasizing that those attending the rally came to witness the vision of Naya Kashmir.
He stressed that their immediate goal is not to lead J&K but to win the hearts of the people.
Shah also warned that those speaking in favor of Pakistan will face consequences in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The revocation of Article 370 has brought significant changes in J&K, securing a special place for every Indian. The region has been taken forward with care and attention, he said.
“Economically, India has progressed, becoming one of the leading exporters globally. Various schemes have been introduced for Jammu and Kashmir, covering housing, healthcare, water supply, employment, and electricity,” he said.
The senior leader said that infrastructure development has also taken place, with new highways and railway projects being undertaken. The security situation has improved, evident from Shah’s experience at a rally in Baramulla, where people showed their love for Modi and welcomed him warmly. There’s a noticeable reduction in both physical and emotional distances, leading to positive changes in the Valley, he added.
“Private investments worth 90,000 Crore have increased, with plans for over 60 new hotels to boost tourism. The doubling of GDP promises employment opportunities, especially in the tourism sector, which has received significant investment,” Shah said.
The Union Minister said that efforts are underway to develop tourist spots like Dal Lake, Tatoo Ground, and Gulmarg further. Policies have been devised for guesthouses, and home stays have increased, he said.
“With Prime Minister Modi devising strategies for its development. Stone pelting incidents have decreased, replaced by job opportunities.
The senior BJP leader emphasized that such a comprehensive change is only possible with the support of the people.
He pointed out that 85 percent of those who lost their lives were Muslims, urging people to stay away from Pakistan’s conspiracies.
Shah highlighted Pakistan’s struggles with hunger and poverty, contrasting it with the perception of Kashmir as a paradise. He emphasized that Prime Minister Modi is the one who can truly save Kashmir.
The Home Minister mentioned that the Modi government is uplifting the morale of security forces by providing employment to the families of martyrs, ensuring that no martyr’s family is left without a job.
He reiterated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is an integral part of India and every Indian aims to reclaim it.
The government has dismantled the terror ecosystem by banning organizations like Hurriyat and Jamaat, resulting in a significant drop in terror incidents. Those associated with terror have been removed from their positions, and the government is taking strict action against fake encounters.
Shah added that the government has prioritized providing jobs to the families of martyrs, ensuring their well-being and acknowledging their sacrifices.
