74th Independence Day | Jammu and Kashmir on a new journey of normalcy and development, says LG Manoj Sinha in his speech

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A new era of normalcy and development has dawned in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday and urged the youths to engage in activism that helps the nation to progress.

In his Independence Day speech at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium, Sinha asserted that the government is committed to providing a better alternative that stands for development, welfare and social transformation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“After the constitutional change enacted in 2019, the central government took not one or two, but historic 50 decisions to transform the face of the region. A new era of normalcy and development has dawned due to the changes effected in the last year; a new journey has been undertaken,” the LG said referring to the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A in August last year.

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Youth and student life are defined through activism and youth-power has been the harbinger of all transformations, said Sinha, who took charge on August 7.

"Activism is not a bad thing, but to choose the correct option is of utmost significance. Your activism should be directed at the development of the nation, as this country belongs to none other than you, and you are its future leaders,” he said, exorting the youths in Jammu and Kashmir to take advantage of the new opportunities.

The LG said the government has five main guiding principles - to put in place a just and transparent system of governance, a thriving grassroots level democracy, maximizing the reach of government welfare schemes; accelerating economic development and creation of employment.

Sinha aid some "wrong decisions" were unfortunately taken after independence which inevitably led to resentment in the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and distanced them from the rest.

"Generation after generation was sacrificed at the altar of hatred", but now equality and justice are being gradually restored in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

Sinha said his administration stands by all those who are committed to and strive towards strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Elected representatives of local self-governments, who face threat, are being provided with a Rs 25 lakh life insurance cover. To make policing more effective, the necessary reforms are being undertaken,” he said, remarks which come in the backdrop of recent attacks on political workers.

“We are committed to providing a better alternative for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. An alternative that stands for development, welfare and social transformation,” he added.