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| 2000 strong peace rally in Baramulla | | Kashmiris to benefit most from good Indo-Pak relations: Governor | | BARAMULLA, OCTOBER 27 -Governor Lt. General (Retd) S.K. Sinha today lamented that terrorists continue to spill blood of innocent Kashmiris and retreated that the government is committed to end this lunatic violence and steer Jammu and Kashmir to peace.
Speaking at a function held in observance of Yaum-e-Shohda in memory of Shaheed Maqbool Sherwani at the border township of Baramulla this morning, the Governor said that terrorists have killed 20,000 civilians during the past decade and a half. “They have scant regard for human values and do not even spare the people on festivals like Eid”, he said.
The Governor lauded the Army for protecting citizens and improving their quality of life through various civic action programmes. He said while the Army is maintaining high degree of restraint during anti-militancy operations, they guard against collateral damages. Whenever any complaint of human rights violation is received, immediate cognizance is taken and guilty brought to book.
General Sinha said the civilian population is highly appreciative of the assistance being provided during the hour of need and referred to the rescue and relief operations launched during the snow tsunami and earthquake last year. Together with civil administration, the Army did a yeomen’s job in rescue operations and rehabilitation, Charunda in Uri and Teethwal in Karnah stand testimonials of the reconstruction effort. He said these villages have been developed as model habitations by the Army and can be termed as best villages in the country with modern facilities.
In a democracy, all limbs of the executive even the Army have a great role to play in providing all amenities and sense of security to the people, said the Governor. ‘‘We are taking all measures to ensure this at all the levels’’, he maintained, adding that the state government is implementing various programmes and schemes to herald peace and prosperity in the state. He said the Army has made a niche among the people and relations between ‘Jawan’ and ‘Awaam’ stand testimony to it.
The Governor referred to the observance of October 27 in Baramulla that witnessed horrendous holocaust in 1947 and said this day reminds us of the great sacrifices of the people and the Army in safeguarding the valley from tribal marauders. He paid glowing tributes to Shaheed Sherwani and said his sacrifice symbolized people’s faith in Kashmir’s great values and rich traditions of amity and brotherhood. He recalled the valiant uprising of people in Srinagar against Pakistan’s veiled action to trample Kashmir’s traditions and said the people raised one voice, challenging the tribals “Hamlawar Hoshiyar, Hum Kashmiri Hain Tayaar”.
General Sinha said that the valley has undergone turbulence but the things are changing. “A wind of change is blowing”, he said while emphasizing the need for friendly relations between India and Pakistan. He said good neighbourly relations will ultimately benefit the people of the sub-continent, those in Kashmir particularly.
About prosperous Kashmir, the Governor rendered in Kashmiri, ‘Mauj Kashir, Shadab Ruzin, Abaad Ruzin’, which implies mother Kashmir let you prosper, let you progress.
Referring to the supreme sacrifice of Mohammad Maqbool Sherwani, the Governor said that Shaheed Sherwani laid down his life in defence of the ideals of Kashmir and India at a young age of 35 on November 7, 1947. The raiders were heading for Srinagar, fall of which would have installed theocratic government in the state. However, between those ambitions, and the secular Kashmir, Mohammad Maqbool Sherwani stood like a rock. Deliberately misguiding the infiltrators on to wrong routes, he made them lose four precious days by which time the Indian Army was able to reach Srinagar for its defence and that proved to be a turning point for the future of Kashmir and India. Having delayed the infiltrators, he informed the high command at Srinagar but in the process was caught at Sangrama by the Pakistani intruders. In return for his safety, he was asked to raise pro-Pakistani and anti-India slogans but refused and instead shouted “Hindu, Muslim Ithad”. Peeved at this, he was brought back to Baramulla and tied to a pole near a local cinema, his body nailed and fourteen bullets pumped into him. His body was left hanging for 2-3 days till the Indian Army came and brought it down for burial at the location of present Sherwani Memorial.
Veteran leader and former Minister Mr. Ghulam Rasool Kar urged the people to help in peace process and appreciated the bold front given by them to elements inimical to peace. He said Kashmir will continue to remain a proud part of India and no power on earth can change this fact. “Pakistan understands this and has been making efforts to bridge gap with India”, he said.
He cautioned the vested interests not to mislead the people by empty slogans, who, he said, want to lead peaceful and progressive life.
Mr. Kar complimented the people of Baramulla for their sagacity and said that by joining the peace march and paying tributes to Shaheed Sherwani, they have thwarted the designs of those who want to keep the pot boiling in Kashmir to further their interests.
District Development Commissioner Baramulla Mr. Baseer Khan lauded the Army’s assistance during snow tsunami and earthquake, saying that but for their timely help the rescue operations would not have been so splendid. He also appreciated the Army for supplementing the rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas and said that some of the villages have come up as real model habitations.
Earlier, at a peace rally the Governor said that youth unfold a hope and promise for better tomorrow. He said their efforts in strengthening peace measures will ultimately fructify in tranquility and amity in the valley.
General Sinha said that peace will bloom in Kashmir with people especially the youth giving a united fight to the cult of violence.
More than 2000 youngsters carrying tricolours participated in the peace march in Baramulla, which culminated at the Degree College. He released a couple of pigeons marking peace and visited philately and photo exhibition organized by the Army.
The Governor also gave away prizes to participants in the race and freedom fighters at the main function held at Sherwani Hall in the historic town.
School students presented a colourful variety programme.
Corps Commander 15 Corps Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh, GOC 19 Inf Div Maj Gen Ramesh Halgaly and District Development Commissioner Baramulla Mr. Baseer Khan were present at the function.
A large number of prominent citizens were present at the main function while thousands witnessed the peace march.
A film on Baramulla tribal raid was screened on the occasion.
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