Will start dialogue with J&K’s people: New L-G
Ending years of militancy my agenda: Sinha
Jammu and Kashmir’s new lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha on Friday set “ridding (J&K) completely of years of militancy and putting it on the path of development with peace” as his agenda.
Speaking to reporters after taking the oath at Raj Bhavan here, he said: “My mission in J&K is to bring peace, end militancy and ensure development without any disparity or discrimination with any section of the people. I will stay in direct contact with the people of J&K and the media.” He pledged to “open a dialogue with the UT’s people for a better understanding of their problems and issues and try to address these”. He said there was a need to instil confidence among J&K’s “aam janata”.
Mr Sinha added: “There won’t be any bias against anyone. Constitutional powers will be used for
people’s welfare. I assure people their genuine grievances will be listened to and we will try to find a solution. It is my aim to take forward development”. His other main priority, the new L-G said, would be “zero tolerance for corruption”.
Mr Sinha, a former Union minister, who earlier quit as a BJP member, said J&K’s people had suffered enormously, but the “new dawn promises hope, optimism and a bright future” for them. Saying he would like to see the UT free from militancy and isolation, he said: “We will work within the framework of the Constitution of India to take J&K towards inclusive development and peace. I assure the people of J&K I will try to come up to their expectations.”
Some observers feel the Centre is trying to signal that it is not averse to restoring J&K’s statehood and effecting a reconciliation with Kashmiris.