Interview ‘Youth seeing a ray of hope in Kashmir’
THE BASIS OF ALL MY WORKS IS ON WHAT I GATHER AFTER INTERACTION WITH THE PUBLIC, MALIK SAYS
Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Satya Pal Malik has been recently appointed the governor of Jammu & Kashmir. He is the first career politician after Karan Singh, who ruled the state 51 years ago. Ever since, the governors in the state (including his predecessor N N Vohra) have been bureaucrats and retired generals.
Malik was serving as governor of Bihar when the announcement came. His appointment assumes special significance, as the conflict-ridden state has been under governor’s rule after the sudden collapse of then chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s government. In June 2017, the BJP had withdrawn support from the coalition government led by Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party.
He speaks to Gulf News:
Being a political leader, your appointment as governor is being eyed with curiosity. What are you doing differently compared to your non-political predecessors? For the first time, there’s a feeling among people that their voice is being heard. I have provided them the comfort of knowing I can be approached and am accessible to them at any time. I do not go by the reports of officials; the basis of all my works is on what I gather after interaction with the public.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Not only are the doors of the Raj Bhawan open to everyone, I take phone calls personally and listen to the grievances of the people and take prompt action.
What is the status of developmental projects in the state? We have sanctioned Rs80 billion to finish the incomplete projects in six months in all the regions of the state and work is on in full swing.
■
What other positive steps have you taken to ‘win hearts through dialogue’? The youth have no means of entertainment. We are building
■
two international-level stadiums for football and cricket. The Indian Premier League chairman told me they could hold an IPL match in Kashmir and we are working to make a team from Kashmir. A boy was recently selected for an IPL team and more than 20,000 people went to his house to congratulate him. The football team defeated the Mohun Bagan of Kolkata. Seeing the enthusiasm of children towards sports, all village heads have been directed to demarcate space for recreational activities. The youth here are extremely talented, but lack even the basic facilities. All such things are being taken care o.
Which issue was an eyeopener and you found it contrary to the perception you had before landing in the state?
I used to feel the problem lay with political parties and leaders. But when I came here, I realised the youth, between 13 and 20 years, were an unhappy lot and their frustration level was very high. ■
What are
Honestly, they have lost faith in everyone. They trust no one; neither us — the state government, nor the government in Delhi. And not even Pakistan.
■
their major concerns? They are dejected with Indian political parties saying they have worked only for their own benefit. I am making all out efforts to prove our good intentions. It’s only been over a month of addressing their problems and the feedback is very encouraging.
Banners and writings proclaiming ‘we want freedom’ are often seen in the state. How are you addressing this issue?
The youth in Kashmir have been shown a false dream of freedom and independence. And because of their dejection, the indoctrination was easy. But nobody can create an independent country now. Despite support of many countries, even LTTE could not do it in Sri Lanka. As for Kashmiris, they are free people; it is their state and no one is taking it away (from them). We are telling youngsters to work for its betterment.
■
The state has been in turmoil for decades, but you make solving the problems sound so easy. Have you come with some magic wand?
People are aware of the works that are being carried out in the state. And the youth are seeing a ray of hope. I have even heard people say, they no more require an elected government!
■