Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has asserted that statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be restored by centre at an appropriate time and said he has a cordial relation with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and he was mindful of his constitutional limits.
“When the bill to abrogate Article 370 and 35A was introduced in both houses of parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah outlined a three-step process. He said delimitation first, followed by Assembly elections and third restoration of statehood at an appropriate time,” Sinha said during an interview with a national daily.
He said delimitation has been completed and the Assembly election has been held peacefully with high voter turnout and an elected government is now in place in J&K.
“Now there is the issue of statehood. The Home Minister has given assurance in parliament and it would definitely be fulfilled. However, he said it would be restored at an appropriate time,” he said.
The LG said the PM also on many occasions has said statehood would be restored at an appropriate time.
“I think the Government will fulfil its promise. When it is restored, we will have to wait for it,” he said.
On the balance of power between Lt Governor and CM’s office, Sinha said, “I have a cordial relation with CM”.
“As far as division of power is concerned, the role of Lt Governor has been clearly defined by J&K Reorganisation Act. It has defined the power of Lt Governor, Chief Minister and the elected government,” he said.
“If there is any confusion, we resolve it promptly,” Sinha said adding, “I am mindful of my own constitutional limits and work within them.”
In response to a question, he said he holds meetings with CM.
On investment, Sinha said private sector investments in J&K has increased from Rs 14000 crores to nearly Rs 30,000 crores.
“Of that Rs 10000 to Rs 12000 crore worth of projects have already started production. This has created new employment opportunities in the UT,” he said.
The Lt Governor said the security situation has improved significantly and security forces have ensured that there are no lockdowns or shutdowns in the Valley on behest of Pakistan.
“People are now enjoying night life,” he said.
He said stone pelting has stopped, local recruitment has declined and top commanders of terror outfits have been killed.
“This peace and progress is not the liking of our neighbour. Terrorism remains a state policy of Pakistan, which continues to push foreign terrorists in J&K and security forces are working on it,” he said.
Sinha said the biggest achievement is that where previously 100-150 locals joined militancy annually, this year there has been only one local recruitment. “Last year there were six or seven such cases”.
“This reflects growing public confidence and a widening support base for peace and prosperity in J&K due to the last five six years of governance,” he said.
“People have become stakeholders of people. Peoples’ lives are improving. There has been historic change in J&K in the last 5-6 years,” asserted Sinha.
On rehabilitation of terror victims, Lt Governor said the government is working on rehabilitation of terror victims.
“I met terror victim families. There are a lot of complaints from terror victims.. somebody did not receive compensation, some did not receive dependent certificates making them ineligible for jobs, in some cases FIRs were not filed while houses of some were captured and seized,” Sinha said.
“In Baramulla, I met terror victim families. It was a sad situation and made everybody emotional,” he said.
“We have decided that all eligible individuals affected by terrorism will receive financial aid and jobs. Those who did not receive financial assistance, there cases are being processed. People who could not file FIRs, they are given assistance in registration of FIRs through Helplines,” he said.
“We are trying to heal their wounds through justice, dignity and support for these families,” added the Lt Governor.