At a village close to the Line of Control, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing an era of peace, prosperity and all-round development, while Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir continued to suffer from neglect and misgovernance.
Addressing a function at Tangdhar Kupwara after inaugurating the ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Complex, the Lieutenant Governor drew a contrast between the situation on both sides of the LoC and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and will always remain an integral part of India.”
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the stark contrast between development on this side of the Line of Control and the conditions in illegally Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, noting that Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing an era of peace, progress and prosperity, while PoJK continues to suffer from neglect and misgovernance.
“Jammu & Kashmir is moving forward with development on all fronts. There is a renewed sense of self-confidence, and the society is prosperous and peaceful than ever before,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the Army for their significant contribution to the Nasha Mukt (drug-free) Jammu Kashmir campaign.
“Tangdhar remains a strategic location where our neighbour persistently attempts to escalate narco-smuggling activities. The development of an airport-like facility by the Army in the region will serve as a critical asset in our mission against drug smuggling,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the police department and security forces to maintain the highest level of alertness. Our surveillance must be foolproof to ensure that no illegal drugs enter our territory, he further said.
The inauguration of ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Complex at SM Hill in Tangdhar marked a significant milestone in the promotion of battlefield tourism, heritage preservation and border area development.
The Lieutenant Governor applauded the Army’s Northern Command, Chinar Corps, and all officers, soldiers, engineers, workforce and local residents for the completion of the prestigious project in a short span of time.
He said our brave soldiers laid down their lives to defend the motherland, and their courage and sacrifice should be instilled in every Indian as a powerful source of pride and inspiration.
“The dedication of our forces and people is the true strength of the nation. The Shaurya Gatha Complex stands as a tribute to the valour and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. This initiative will create new opportunities for border area and battlefield tourism, homestays, local crafts, and youth entrepreneurship,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“I urge citizens across the nation to visit Shaurya Gatha Complex and plan their holidays at the offbeat destinations of Kupwara,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sinha also reiterated that the administration was committed to the development of the border region. He observed that initiatives like the promotion of the valour site under Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative will usher economic growth and prosperity in the Tangdhar-Karnah region, besides showcasing the rich defence legacy and culture of the region.
He said that seven villages of Tangdhar and Karnah have been included under the Vibrant Village Programme, ensuring improved infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and quality of life.
Highlighting the importance of the Sadhna Tunnel, the Lieutenant Governor stated that it will significantly enhance connectivity, security, and economic activity in the region by providing all-weather access and facilitating trade, education, healthcare and disaster response.
