||Black and White Digital News||

||September 07, 2024||

Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a powerful address on Friday, set forth India’s unwavering position on terrorism, announcing that there will be no talks with Pakistan unless terrorism comes to a complete halt. He underscored this point, stating, “Talks and bombs cannot go together,” while releasing the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

Shah dismissed any potential dialogue with Pakistan as long as terrorism persists, but he assured that the government remains committed to engaging with the youth of Kashmir. “We are not in favor of talks with Pakistan unless and until terrorism ends. But we will definitely talk to the youth of Kashmir,” Shah declared confidently.

Shah’s hard-hitting remarks came in response to the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) calls for resuming cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade and dialogue with Pakistan. “Unless terrorism comes to an end and the trade-terror ecosystem is dismantled, we cannot agree with it,” he emphasized.

He also took the opportunity to lambast Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, pointing out his silence on NC’s controversial manifesto advocating the restoration of Article 370. Shah made it clear: “Article 370 and Article 35A have become history and will never make a comeback. This Article was the reason why weapons and stones were handed to the youth and they were then facilitated to tread the path of terrorism instead of contributing to development.”

Recounting the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade, Shah noted the marked decline in terror-related incidents, stone-pelting, and civilian deaths. He credited the Modi government with steering the region towards peace and progress after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Shah proudly stated, “The sound of guns and bomb blasts used to echo in Kashmir, but now it has changed. Terror incidents have reduced by 70%, and stone-pelting incidents have dropped to zero post-August 2019.”

Notably, Shah also responded to the demand for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed the clamor as unnecessary, reiterating that the government is committed to restoring statehood at the appropriate time. “There is no reluctance on this matter. At an appropriate time, it will be restored,” Shah reassured.

In another significant development, Shah addressed the long-standing issue of displaced Kashmiri migrants, including Kashmiri Pandits, Hindus, and Sikhs, who were forced to sell their properties during the height of terrorism. He revealed that the government is working on policies to ensure fair compensation and rehabilitation. “We will ensure that those who sold their properties receive the proper rate or have their properties returned,” Shah affirmed.

Shah’s visit to Jammu was also marked by his interaction with the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, R.R. Swain, and senior officers of the Border Security Force (BSF). The discussions focused on the security scenario along the borders, counter-infiltration measures, and intelligence sharing to combat terrorism effectively.

On the same day, Shah commended the BSF and J&K Police for their relentless efforts to safeguard the region, pointing out the collaborative measures that have contributed to the decrease in terrorist activity. “The cooperation between our security forces is key to the peace and stability witnessed today,” he noted.

Amit Shah’s high-profile visit, the ongoing election process witnessed a stern reminder of the importance of discipline in election duties. In Pulwama and Kulgam, election officials faced suspension for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Naib Tehsildar Abdul Majeed Naik was suspended for negligence during his role as a magistrate in the Flying Squad Team, while two lumberdars in Kulgam were also suspended for similar violations.

Shah’s resolute declarations, paired with his emphasis on the developmental strides made in Jammu and Kashmir, serve as a potent reminder of the central government’s focus on eradicating terrorism, promoting peace, and ensuring social justice for all communities. The upcoming assembly elections will be the first since Jammu and Kashmir’s bifurcation, and the BJP is positioning itself as the party that has brought about transformative changes in the region.

Shah’s visit, while marking the beginning of the BJP’s campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, also underscored the Union government’s unyielding commitment to national security, with peace and development taking center stage.

As the elections approach, Shah called on the people to vote for the BJP to maintain the trajectory of good governance. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed the difference. The past 10 years have seen the beginning of a new era in the valley—a time of peace, progress, and prosperity,” Shah concluded.