J&K: ‘Why Should Delimitation Be Stopped?’ Amit Shah On Centre’s Roadmap To Hold Polls, Restore Statehood

Amit Shah is expected to interact with various delegations today as a part of the Union government’s outreach programme.

File Photo: PTI

New Delhi: On the first day of his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday met the kin of victims who died in the recent terror killings, promising stern action against those who disrupt peace. He also reiterated that elections would be held after the delimitation exercise which will be followed by restoration of statehood.

This is Amit Shah’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the repeal of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Interacting with members of Jammu and Kashmir's youth clubs on Saturday, Amit Shah said “Why should the delimitation be stopped? It is because that will harm political interests. Now nothing will stop in Kashmir. Delimitation will happen, followed by elections and then restoration of statehood so that the youth of Kashmir get opportunities. I had said that in the parliament also. And, this is the roadmap”. 

“I came here to make friends with the Kashmiri youth," he added, as quoted by news agency ANI. 

He asserted that no one can obstruct development in Jammu and Kashmir and assured that strict action will be taken against those who want to disrupt the peace and harmony in the union territory. 

“Kashmir has seen a new beginning -- from fear, terrorism, corruption, and family-based politics to peace, development and prosperity. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have strengthened this change. Terrorism has reduced, stone-pelting has become invisible...I want to assure you that strict action will be taken against those who want to disrupt the peace and harmony of Jammu and Kashmir. No one can obstruct development here. It is our commitment,” the Union Home Minister said. 

He further stated, “transparency and corruption-free governance” that Jammu-Kashmir has witnessed since 2019 is the pillar of the region's development. “Would it be possible without abrogating Article 370? Our projects for Jammu and Kashmir are multidimensional. It promotes education and skill development, as well as economic assistance. We've also promoted sports and tourism,” Shah added.

The Home Minister said that a day will surely come when Kashmir becomes a state that will give, not the one that takes, by contributing to the development of India.

“What did 70 years of Jamhooriyat give, 87 MLAs, six MPs, and three families, but Modi has given 30 thousand elected representatives in such a short time,” he said.

He also emphasised that the Union government will not allow anyone to create hurdles in the path of peace in Kashmir. He also went on to state that corruption has decreased in Jammu and Kashmir and people are now getting direct benefits of government schemes.

“This transparency and elimination of corruption is the foundation of the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Corruption had hollowed out the roots of Jammu and Kashmir like termites and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ended this menace,” he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The Union Home Minister was received at the technical airport here by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and advisor Farooq Khan on Saturday and started his busy schedule with a visit to the residence of slain police officer Inspector Parvaiz Ahmad Dar.

This visit comes in the backdrop of 11 civilian killings in the valley in October alone. Five of the victims were labourers from Bihar, while three, including two teachers, belonged to minority communities in Kashmir.

In view of the recent targetted killing of civilians, he chaired a security review meeting during which he was informed about the steps taken to eliminate terrorism from the Valley.

Amit Shah also flagged off the inaugural Srinagar-Sharjah flight -- the first direct international Airlink between the valley and the outside world.

He met the families of nine victims of recent terror attacks including Makhan Lal Bindroo, a Kashmiri Pandit and the owner of a popular medical store in Srinagar, and school principal Supinder Kour.

Day-2 Of Amit Shah’s J&K Visit

On the second day of his three-day visit, the Union Home Minister will be in Jammu and is likely to meet BJP workers at the party office and then hold a public rally in Bhagwati Nagar.

He is expected to interact with various delegations on Sunday as a part of the Union government’s outreach programme.

It was a day of heavy rain and snow in several parts of the Valley. If the weather holds, he will visit Jammu on Sunday to address a public rally and return to Srinagar, the officials said, as reported by PTI.

Security was beefed up across Kashmir ahead of Amit Shah's visit and additional forces have been deployed, particularly in the city.

(With Inputs From Agencies)