Bifurcation of J&K just a rumour: LG

Srinagar, June 11: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said the rumours doing rounds about bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir were completely “baseless” and being spread by “a small section of anti-national elements.”

“These are completely baseless rumours. I refute them with all the responsibility. Many people who don’t have anything meaningful to do are taking support of rumours and emotions to mislead the public for their own vested interests. These are baseless and mischievous conspiracy theories circulated by a small section of anti-national elements. Such rumours are also being fanned by certain elements based outside India,” Sinha said in a TV interview with Times Now aired on Friday evening.

   

People of J&K have nothing to do with rumours:

The LG said the people of Jammu & Kashmir are “really not concerned about the speculations and they don’t have anything to do with all these rumours.” Sinha said the movement of paramilitary forces “doesn’t indicate anything.” “These personnel were deputed outside J&K for elections. They were in quarantine and are now moving to their respective postings. Moreover, there is normal practice of troop movement in anticipation of Amarnath Yatra,” the LG said.

When asked whether this indicates that the annual Amarnath Yatra would be held, the LG said: “We had started registration of Amarnath Yatra and we stopped it because of COVID. Final decision on Yatra will be taken after proper analysis of the situation. It’s important to save the lives of people.”

On discrimination between Jammu & Valley:

The LG said there’s not a single decision in last 11 months that the J&K administration has taken which indicates discrimination between Jammu and Kashmir. “Both are our two eyes and equally vital for us. That time of discrimination is long gone,” Sinha said.

Assembly elections:

The LG said that as far as holding of Assembly elections in J&K are concerned “people were assured by the Hon’ble Prime Minister from the ramparts of Red Fort and Hon’ble Home Minister in the Parliament that once delimitation is done, elections will be held.” The LG said that Deputy Commissioners of all 20 districts have been asked 18 questions regarding delimitation. “It means work is going on.”

When asked about indications that some National Conference leaders want to have a say in the Delimitation Commission, the LG said: “NC is taking part in Delimitation, it means they are performing their constitutional duty. Those who are in Parliament must take part in the process initiated through an Act of Parliament,” Sinha said.

On adding NCC in the curriculum:

When asked about the National Cadet Corps (NCC) being included in the curriculum, the LG said: “Enough water has flown down the Jhelum. All government offices now hoist the tricolor. People who were opposed to NCC are now silenced. Tricolor is flying high in the valley,” Sinha said. “Recently, I met an NCC cadet from Anantnag who was bravely carrying the Bharatmata flag. The youth of Kashmir want change and a new era has started and the youth are embracing it fully,” Sinha said.

Security situation:

Commenting on the prevailing security situation in Kashmir, the LG replied: “You can see the number of tourists flocking to J&K. Even tourists know there is no security issue. Valley hotels saw advance bookings till April this year before Covid second wave hit. Terror related incidents have come down. Forces have the upper hand on militants in the Valley. There are some standalone terror incidents, deliberately done to vitiate the atmosphere of peace and development. We have taken serious note and perpetrators shall be brought to book. There are a handful people trying to disrupt peace and we’ll ensure they are taken to task,” Sinha said.

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