Agencies
Samba/Jammu, Sep 13: Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, shifting from a region known for terrorism to a thriving hub of tourism, Union minister G Kishan Reddy said on Friday.
The party’s vision for the people of Jammu and Kashmir reflects the legacy of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who established the Jana Sangh — the BJP’s forerunner — with the aim to protect Jammu and Kashmir from dynastic rule and divisive politics, he added.
“Since Narendra Modi became prime minister, peace has been restored in Jammu and Kashmir. The spirit of brotherhood is growing and people are now able to move around without fear,” Reddy said at a gathering in Samba, ahead of the prime minister’s visit to Doda.
He stressed that the region’s tourism industry had rebounded.
“More than two crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir last year, marking a clear shift from the days when terrorism overshadowed everything. The credit goes to the prime minister and his development programmes,” he said.
He also noted the significance of Modi’s Saturday visit to Doda.
“This will be the first visit by any prime minister to Doda in 42 years. It’s a historic moment,” Reddy said.
The Chenab Valley region, comprising eight assembly seats in three districts, will go to the polls in the first phase on September 18.
Reddy noted that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 marked a turning point in the BJP’s long struggle to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir into India.
The Union minister emphasised that these elections signalled a new era for the people.
Reddy also highlighted the symbolic importance of youngsters carrying the Indian flag in rallies across the Dal lake.
“The youth of Kashmir have shown their love for India and its unity,” he said.
The three-phase elections to the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will be held on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be declared on October 8.
Increasing participation of girls in sports is heartening: LG Sinha
MK News Network
SRINAGAR, SEP 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today interacted with women Gymnasts from States and UTs, who attended the National Advanced Rhythmic Gymnastics Training Camp at Srinagar. The athletes were accompanied by Indian and foreign coaches and other team officials.
The 21-day long Training Camp, organized by J&K Sports Council in collaboration with Gymnastics Federation of India and Gymnastics Association of J&K, was conducted under the expert guidance of foreign coach from Azerbaijan, Dilbar Ibrahimova and Arjuna Awardee Krupali Singh.
Interacting with the Gymnasts and Coaches at Raj Bhawan, the Lt Governor highlighted the transformation in sports sector of the UT of J&K.
Modern sports infrastructure, world-class training centres, coaching, mentoring and other necessary facilities have helped J&K make a mark on the national and global sporting stage. The increased participation of youth, especially the girls in sports and their achievement is heartening, he said.
The Lt Governor appreciated the J&K Sports Council and other stakeholders for their efforts to nurture the young talent of Jammu Kashmir. He also extended his felicitations and best wishes to the young gymnasts and coaches for their future games.
On the occasion, Gymnastics Coach from Azerbaijan and Gymnasts also shared the experience of their visit to Jammu Kashmir.
Sudhir Mital, President, Gymnastics Federation of India; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services & Sports Department; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Er. Kiran Wattal, President, Gymnastics Association of J&K and office-bearers of Sports Council and Gymnastics Association were present.
