look news india
Srinagar, September 19 (HS). Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha believes that a new confidence has emerged among the people of the state and its effect is also visible in the assembly elections. He expressed confidence, “I think there is going to be more voting in the assembly elections than in the Lok Sabha elections.”
It is noteworthy that assembly elections are being held for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir after the removal of Article 370. Votes were cast for the first phase on Wednesday. Around 59 percent voting took place in 24 seats of South Kashmir and Jammu region. More than 77 percent voting took place in Kishtwar. During the Lok Sabha elections also, the voters of Jammu and Kashmir had set a new record of voting.
In a special conversation with Capital Headlines and Hindustan News after the first phase of voting, the state's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “The reports coming in from the first phase of voting are very encouraging. A large number of women, youth and elderly are going to the polling booths.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also listed the reasons for the enthusiasm seen among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said, “The three-tier Panchayati Raj system was implemented the latest in Jammu and Kashmir. There was a delay here, but we transferred funds, functions and functionalities immediately. Whether it was the budget of the district apex or the local development work, these 32 thousand elected representatives were doing it. This has created a new generation and its aspirations are surging in the same way as it is in the rest of the country.”
A large number of independent candidates are contesting the elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The number of independent candidates is said to be around 40 percent.
Congress, National Conference and PDP are raising questions on this but Lieutenant Governor Sinha believes that such candidates are a good sign for Jammu and Kashmir.
He said, “Independent candidates are contesting elections in large numbers here. In some ways, I consider this a good sign for Jammu and Kashmir. This means that curiosity has arisen in the minds of the people that we should also contribute to the creation of Jammu and Kashmir, its future and its development.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha believes that people's confidence has increased due to development plans, employment opportunities and improved law and order situation. Referring to the administration's thinking and policy after the removal of Article 370, he said, “The policies of the Government of India have a big impact on this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah took special interest in Jammu and Kashmir and gave a clear message that the doors are definitely open for everyone but whoever goes beyond a fine line (Laxman Rekha), constitutional and legal action will be taken against him.”
He said, “One thing I have said repeatedly is do not harass the innocent and do not spare the guilty. This was not just said but also implemented. A clear policy of the Indian government has also been that it is believed that peace cannot be bought. Peace is permanently achieved when it is established.”
Lieutenant Governor Sinha said, “Every effort was made for this. The people here were taken into confidence. Strict action was taken against those elements who were a hindrance to peace. With a 360-degree approach, efforts were made to not only count the number of terrorists but also to eliminate the entire terror ecosystem?”
He said, “The common man felt that injustice will not be done to us, if our point is correct then it will be heard. I think a new kind of trust has been created because of this.”
Lieutenant Governor Sinha said, “Due to this, you must have seen that in the Lok Sabha elections, the highest voter turnout has been recorded in the last 35 years and the reports coming in about the voting that is taking place in the Assembly are very encouraging.”
