Pakistan trying to destablise JK, says Vohra
JAMMU: Governor N. N. Vohra Thursday blamed Pakistan for creating unrest in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is trying to destabilize the state.
In his republic day address, Vohra said that it is because of Pakistan’s continuing proxy war and unceasing campaigns for the past nearly three decades to perpetrate violence and chaos to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir the growth and development of our State has been adversely affected.
“2017 was marked by Pakistan’s sustained attempts to infiltrate the largest possible number of terrorists into the Valley. This resulted in the Security Forces remaining engaged in counter terrorist operations throughout the past year, in which a very large number of terrorists were killed, besides the loss of lives of civilians and Security Forces personnel. The past year also witnessed repeated ceasefire violations by our western neighbour, both across the International Border and the Line of Control, which resulted in the closure of schools, damage to properties, loss of cattle, many innocent lives being lost and the residents of the affected border villages having to evacuate to safer areas. The terrorists also attacked and killed some pilgrims who were undertaking the Shri Amarnathji Yatra but could not succeed in disrupting the pilgrimage,” Vohra said.
“To counter Pakistan’s continuing terror campaign, our Security Forces have been performing their duties with utmost devotion, in extremely trying circumstances. I salute our fearless officers and men and pay homage to the brave hearts of the State Police, Central Armed Police Forces and the Army who laid down their lives to safeguard the territorial integrity of our country,” he said.
“As I have been repeatedly saying in the past years, we need to put an end to the continuing hartals and protestation calendars which result in disturbances and closure of all activities. The recurring disorders have caused human and economic losses and the repeated disruption of the educational schedules has adversely affected the career advancement of our youth. It is indeed unfortunate that our polity and the society at large have failed to muster courage to immunise our youth, particularly girls, from being involved in agitational activities,” Vohra added.
He said that it is of crucial importance to safeguard the interests of the upcoming generation and to take all required steps to ensure against their getting frustrated and being attracted to radical ideologies and violent activities. While some youth who had joined the terrorist ranks have since returned to their homes I hope that all others who had left will also come back very soon.
“For engendering a hopeful and productive environment it is of crucial importance that our elected representatives, the political executive and the entire spectrum of public services in the State collectively ensure that the Administration provides prompt, accountable, transparent and efficient services to all our people,” he said.
Vohra said that a sound administrative system, founded in uncompromising integrity and impeccable work culture, will also contribute towards reinvigorating the State’s economy to progress rapidly and generate the much needed opportunities for our unemployed youth.
The State Administration needs to devote methodical attention to ensure that the Prime Minister’s Development Package of Rs. 80,000 crore is effectively utilised to timely implement the various infrastructure and development projects for which the financial support has been received, he said.
“It is equally important that the Administration pursues inclusive policies and ensures equitable allocation of resources to promote the welfare of people living in all parts of the State, especially the neglected segments and those who reside in the remote and unconnected areas. Special attention also requires to be given to see that the varied difficulties faced by all those suffering from one or the other kind of disability, particularly the aged, women and children, are promptly provided the required support,” he added.
Long years of unrest have caused enormous damage to our grass-root level democratic framework. In early 2016 action had been initiated for the conduct of elections to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies. However, for varied reasons, these elections have continued to pend. Recently, the State Government announced its decision to commence the electoral process during this winter. Once the grass root level rural and urban self-governing bodies are in position I trust that Government shall promptly empower them with the required delegations and optimum financial and logistical support, the Governor added.
KV Correspondent
