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| ‘Joint mechanism, not joint control acceptable’ | | Emulate Kashmir’s self rule for PoK, Northern Area: Governor | |
JAMMU, JAN 26
Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is enjoying more self-rule than any other constituent State or region of any democracy in the world and hoped that this model will be emulated and introduced across the border in PoK and Northern Area.
In his Republic Day address after unfurling the tricolour at an impressive parade at the State level function at MAM Stadium here this morning, the Governor said that General Musharraf and some leaders in Kashmir have been vouching for self-rule in Kashmir ignoring that the State as a shinning part of the Third World’s vibrant democracy enjoys both political and economic self-rule in a big measure.
General Sinha also referred to demilitarization and joint control and said Joint management, joint control or joint supervision impinges on the sovereignty of a Nation and it is not a practicable proposition in Jammu and Kashmir nor would it be across the Durand Line between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, he welcomed joint mechanism to promote trade, tourism and cultural exchange besides environment control, disaster management, which he said would usher the region to prosperity.
General Sinha reiterated that demilitarization could be considered only after cessation of cross border terrorism and violence in the State. He hoped that Pakistan would dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in PoK and stop assisting terrorists. He said this demand is being voiced by a few leaders in the State also, notwithstanding the fact that the people living in border areas think differently. They want Army to stay and continue helping them in the hour of peace and war. The Army, he said, has under taken numerous developments and welfare programmes in the border State and is trying to win hearts and minds of the people. He recalled the Army’s and Air Force’s record of rescuing and helping the people during the earthquake of 2005 has been unmatched and stupendous. Three villages that had been totally devastated were taken up for rehabilitation by the Army and made into model villages. They are Tithwal, Churundu in Uri and Khair Kapala in Poonch. I have visited each of them and was amazed to see the transformation. They have all the modern amenities like housing, hospitals, schools, health clubs, vocation centres, street lighting and so on. I can say without hesitation that no village in our country will be able to match them in terms of facilities. The Air Force has put up model schools in Urusa. Operation Sadbhavna has been catering for a host of civic action programmes in the service of the people, in far flung areas, he added.
Despite the Army discharging its role single-mindedly in serving, protecting and providing respite to the people, the Governor lamented that allegations of Human Rights were being trumpeted by vested interests. He said Indian Army’s record in Human Rights is far superior to any other Army fighting similar situation in Iraq, Baluchistan, Afghanistan and Waziristan. However, he added that whenever any complain on Human Rights violation is established, stern action is taken against the guilty.
The Governor also spelt out achievements registered by the Government under the stewardship of Chief Minister Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and said that the State is marching towards Khushali. He referred to the progress in Health, Education, Power and Roads sectors and hoped that with the cooperation of the people a new era of peace and development will dawn in the State.
On relations with Pakistan, General Sinha said that Confidence Building Measures between India and Pakistan have been making steady progress. Cease Fire on LOC has been holding for over three years.
Roads, Srinagar – Muzaffarabad and Poonch – Rawalkot have been opened besides four meeting points on the LOC. This has been a boon for divided families. It is a matter of regret that despite our persistent effort for over two years, Road Kargil – Skardu has not yet been opened nor any meeting point provided in that region. The divided families of that area are the worst sufferers. The journey from Kargil to Skardu can be traversed in a few hours. At present, to reach Skardu from Kargil, via Srinagar – Wagah – Rawalpindi – Gilgit, takes several days. I earnestly hope that for humanitarian reasons, Pakistan will agree to the opening of Kargil – Skardu Road soon, he added.
The Governor said that the peace process and dialogue started between India and Pakistan has gained
momentum. A series of Indo - Pak meetings at different levels have been planned from January to April 2007. To address to the internal dimensions of the problem, he said dialogue is on with various sections of the people. He expressed happiness over the realization dawning on some separatist leaders about the futility of gun.
Lauding the valour of Security Forces, Para Military and Jammu and Kashmir Police in combating terrorism, the Governor said In the last few years, there has been a steady decline, every year, in the total number of people killed - civilians, Security Forces and terrorists. This has come down from 10 a day in 2001 to 3 a day in 2006. This has been the lowest figure in the last seventeen years.
Chief Minister, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Justice, Mr Justice Bashir Ahmed Khan, First Lady Premini Sinha, Shamima Dev Azad, Chairman Legislative Council, Abdul Rashid Dar, several ministers, legislators and senior Army, Civil and Police Officers besides large number of people and school children were present at the state level function at MA stadium
Earlier, the Governor took salute at an impressive parade by the contingents of the Army, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, J&K District Police, J&K Auxillary Police, J&K Fire Service, Ex Servicemen, National Cadet Corps, Sports Personnel and boys and girls of various schools. Group Captain S K Sharma, the Kiriti Chakra awardee by President of India for his heroic feat in saving three army and air-force personnel from the death trap on Kimat peak in 2005 also took part in the parade as the Guest of Honour. He was heading a helicopter unit as Wing Commander at Barielly then, and landed at 23300-ft high peak, much above the prescribed limit for helicopters to fly at the maximum height of 18000-19000 ft. The dare devils of the police and cultural troups of various colleges and schools presented scintillating programmes. Among others, the State Information Department and Youth Services and Sports Departments had organised most of the programmes. |
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