The newly appointed Advisor to Governor, Farooq Khan on Monday said Central government has to end the atmosphere of fear in Kashmir.
“I love Kashmir as much as I love Jammu because it’s veryimportant not due to land but due to people, who relate themselves with Indiabut are scared of accepting it due to threats by militants,” said Khan, whileaddressing a gathering during the reception organised by Jammu Civil Society inhis honour.
“We need to put an end to the threat looming among people ofKashmir that compels them not to chant ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. We need toencourage those (Kashmiris) so that they will deal with the militantsthemselves without having security forces on their back,” said Khan.
He said that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Panditsand the government was taking every possible step to ensure their return.
“The slogan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘Sab ka Saath,Sab ka Vikas and Sab Ka Vishwas’ will be implemented on the ground in letterand spirit. Some people claim that this is a political slogan but in actualityit is an assurance from the PM Modi regarding the development and upliftment ofall sections of society,” he added.
Khan said that Kashmir, like Jammu, is equally important forhim.
“Those who tried to wedge the gap between the Government ofIndia and Kashmiris have been failed by the government,” he said, adding, thereare few more things that need to be done in this regard so that the “alienationamong the people will come to an end”.
Khan said he will work tirelessly and will try his best tocome up to the expectations of people.
About drug menace in the state, Khan said that both Jammuand Kashmir divisions are witnessing such menace, which needs to be curbed.
“Even when I was far away from Jammu and Kashmir, I wasconcerned about such menace in Jammu and Kashmir. I believe drug menace is moredangerous than militancy. I have always acted tough against the offenders andwill take every possible step to put an end to drug menace in the state,” headded.
Khan added that Development has picked up pace in state frompast few years and government will further speedup in all three regionsincluded Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu so no one complaints of discrimination.