The militancy-hit Kashmir valley would once again become “the paradise on earth” as was once described by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik said Saturday, greeting the people on 70th R-Day after unfurling the tricolour here.
“I have no doubt that a day will come once again when Kashmir will be the same as what Emperor Jahangir had praised – a paradise on earth,” said the governor. Emperor Jehangir had once said about Kashmir, “Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameenast, Hameenast-o, hameenast-o, hameenast! (If there is a paradise on earth; it is this, it is this, it is this).”
And to restore the lost glory of the valley, Malik pinned his hopes on the support and contribution of people from all walks of life in making the state prosperous.
While seeking the people’s support in turning the state’s fortune, Malik promised that his administration would continue to work on its “mission good governance” and “mission delivering development” till the state gets back a democratically-elected government.
“I appeal to the members of civil society, political parties, leaders of all social, cultural, religious and other organisations in the state to come forward and lend their hands in building a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir which will be a role model for other states,” the governor said.
The governor hoisted the tricolour at the State level function on the occasion of the 70th R-Day, at the Sports Stadium of the University of Jammu.
The governor inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive march past which was commanded by Col Baskar Singh of 1st Battalion J&K Light Infantry.
The smart contingents participating in the parade were from the Army, BSF, CRPC, women contingent of the JKAP, J&K police, state disaster response force, Punjab police, J&K fire and emergency services, J&K forest protection force. It also comprised of excise department, SSB 7th battalion, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, Bharat scouts and guides, and students from various schools.
A colourful cultural pageantry based on national integration and the glorious composite heritage of the State was presented by students from various local schools on this occasion.
Army Weapons and Equipment Display by Army; Motorcycle Acrobatics display by Dare-Devils of J&K Police was witnessed by jam-packed audience in the Stadium.
Conveying warm greetings to the people on the occasion, Malik complimented the team of his advisors, chief secretary and the officers of civil and police administration for ensuring a discernible change on development and governance scenario in the state.
“I assure you all that this process will continue till a democratically-elected government is back in the state. I will reassure you that the government will continue to work on its Mission Good Governance and Mission Delivering Development,” he said.
An Indian Air Force chopper showered rose petals over the venue as the governor unfurled the tricolour amid cheers from the gathering at well-attended function. The people also enjoyed the skill of the dare-devil team of the state police.
Listing various steps taken by his administration to ensure “good governance”, the governor said tourism is an important part of overall development and employment strategy and the government is committed to “unlock” the vast potential of the sector.
“We have launched a sustained campaign to address the challenges posed to the sector by the negative perception of the situation in the valley.
“Our efforts have begun to pay dividends, which is evident from the fact that hotels in Pahalgam and Gulmarg (hill resorts in the valley) have been registering almost 100 percent occupancy for the past couple of months,” he said.
He said the state tourism department is making concerted efforts to attract pilgrims and tourists to the state.
As against arrival of 81.78 lakh pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during 2017, pilgrim arrivals stood at 85.87 lakh during 2018, he said adding similarly, the number of pilgrims to Shri AmarnathJiYatra rose from 2.60 lakh (in 2017) to 2.85 lakh (in 2018).
Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh, Speaker Legislative Assembly; Haji Inayat Ali, Chairman, Legislative Council; Sh. K. Vijay Kumar and Sh. K.K. Sharma-Advisors to Governor; Judges of the State High Court; Members of Parliament; MLCs; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Dilbagh Singh, DGP; former MLAs; senior Civil, Police and Army officers, political and social activists, prominent citizens, media persons and the citizenry were present on the occasion, an official handout said. Earlier Governor went to the BalidanStambh and paid tribute to the brave military and paramilitary men who have laid down their lives for the honour of the country.