Jammu Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, stated on Thursday that 30 years of conflict had spawned a few conflict profiteers who enriched themselves, sent their children to foreign countries, and abandoned impoverished children to suffer on the streets.
Sinha also highlighted that this year’s Amarnath Yatra had broken records, with over 4.5 lakh pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage.
Addressing a gathering at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar, after inaugurating various e-projects for Budgam district, Sinha remarked that three decades of conflict in Kashmir had given rise to a handful of profiteers.
He stated, “These conflict profiteers filled their own coffers, sent their children abroad for education, and left destitute children to fend for themselves on the streets. The establishments of these conflict profiteers were permanently shut down on August 5, 2019,” the LG said.
He further added, “These individuals are now feeling the impact of peace and development in J&K. I hope they continue to feel this discomfort.” Without naming anyone, he pointed out that these individuals had misled the public regarding PMAY—providing homes for the homeless and land for the landless—as they couldn’t tolerate the progress in J&K.
“Let their discomfort grow day by day,” he asserted.
Regarding this year’s Amarnath Yatra, Sinha mentioned that a record number of over 4.5 lakh pilgrims had visited the cave shrine of Amarnath. “Now, these visitors have returned to their respective states and villages. They will undoubtedly share their experiences of the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir, which will ultimately attract more pilgrims to J&K,” LG stated.
Sinha, in response to a question about his tenure, clarified, “I haven’t come here to stay forever, but I will certainly leave behind fond memories of peace, prosperity, development, and economic stability. I will undertake initiatives that people will remember,” he assured.
When asked about preparations for Local Bodies elections, the LG confirmed that polls for Local Bodies would be conducted on schedule. He e-inaugurated various developmental projects for Budgam district and emphasized the significance and historical importance of every town.
“Budgam possesses an airport, railway station, and tremendous tourism potential that needs exploration. Beerwah will soon find its place on the tourism map and become a favored destination for tourists,” the LG added. He also mentioned the development of Green Parks in the district and plans to upgrade the airport, old bus stand, and railway station. (KNO)