Union Home Minister (HM) Amit Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), said on Saturday, 23 October that "5 August 2019 will be written in golden letters" in a reference to the date when the J&K's special status was revoked.
"It was the end of terrorism, nepotism, corruption. J&K youth has to contribute in the development of the Union Territory, it their responsibility," he added while addressing members of J&K Youth club, as per ANI.
"Terrorism has reduced, stone pelting has become invisible. I want to assure you that strict action will be taken against those who want to ruin peace of J&K, no one can obstruct development here. It's our commitment," he added.
'Kashmir Youth Saved Due to Curfew
Shah further said that the youth of Kashmir were saved due to the curfew and took a dig at the Congress party.
"People questioned curfew, internet suspension. Had there been no curfew, don't know how many lives would have been lost. Kashmir youth has been saved due to curfew, internet suspension. 3 families ruled for 70 yrs. Why were 40,000 people killed?" he questioned.
Talking about the delimitation process, he said," Why should we stop delimitation? Delimitation will happen, followed by elections and then restoration of statehood," he added.
Amit Shah Inaugurates Srinagar-Sharjah Direct Flight
Shah also inaugurated the Srinagar-Sharjah international flight. "We declare it open from today. This will help in boosting tourism and bring more investment in the Union Territory," he further said.
"We also declare the 'Policy on Helicopter Operations in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir' open from today," he added, according to ANI.
Meanwhile, Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu called the inauguration of Srinagar-Sharjah international flight a big milestone. "It's the first international flight connecting two regions, which have deep cultural, social and hopefully will have economic bonds too," he said, as per ANI.
Shah further said he wants to be friends with the Kashmiri youth. "Today, I came to Jammu and Kashmir after around 2.15 years. It is a very happy moment for me as after the security review meeting, I'm having an event with the youngsters of Youth Club."
Reviews Security Situation in J&K
Earlier in the day, Shah reviewed the security situation and the steps taken to combat terrorism in the Valley, PTI reported. His visit comes after the recent killings of 11 civilians, particularly non-local labourers and minorities, in October alone.
The threat of radicalisation and an increase in cross-border infiltration were also discussed at the meeting, reported NDTV.
The meeting was held at the Raj Bhawan and attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior security officials from the Army, CRPF, police and other agencies, officials said, as per PTI.
Officials said that Shah was briefed about the steps being taken to "eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir" and "counter-infiltration measures being taken by the forces", according to PTI.
A senior Home Ministry functionary told NDTV that security agencies explained their side of the story as to why, despite having many Indian forces in the area and extensive outreach efforts by the government, radicalisation and home-grown terrorism were on the rise.
"The narrative of the centre is that J&K is safe for everyone… but these killings prove minorities and outsiders are not safe. This is a big concern for government… so a strategy to further reassure people was discussed," a ministry official was quoted as saying by NDTV.
This was Shah's first visit to the Union Territory after 5 August 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and Jammu and Kashmir reorganised into two Union Territories.
Soon after reaching Srinagar, Shah went to the residence of slain inspector Parvez Ahmed, who was killed by terrorists last month, and met his family. During his visit, the home minister also gave Ahmed's wife Fatima Akhter official papers for a government job.
Security arrangements had been tightened and a 20-km radius around Raj Bhavan had been fortified. The home minister is expected to stay at Raj Bhavan for these three-days.
As a part of the high-security preparations before the visit, reports said drones were seen across Srinagar and motorboats conducted patrols in the Dal Lake and Jhelum river on Friday. According to reports an "aerial surveillance cover" had been set-up over a few areas including the Lal Chowk.
Shah's Itinerary
Reports suggested that high-level security meetings and visits to a few turbulent districts were on the agenda, along with meetings with higher officials to take stock of the progress of development projects in the valley.
ANI reported that Amit Shah will also be inaugurating the J&K IIT campus. He will be laying the foundation stones of various development projects of the university.
Shah is also scheduled to visit the Digiana Gurudwara after his meeting with the state BJP leaders.
Earlier, Home Ministry officials said that Shah would chair the high-level meeting at 12.30 pm with heads of security and intelligence agencies.
The meeting would be attended by Intelligence Bureau chief Arvind Kumar, CRPF DG Kuldiep Singh, ABSF DG Pamkaj Singh, DG of National Security Guard MA Ganapathy, J&K Police ADG Dilbagh Singh, Army commanders and other officials.
The Inspector General of Jammu Police and Inspector General of Kashmir Police also would be present.
The J&K Police DG was also likely to make a presentation on the recent terror attacks targeting minorities and non-locals in Kashmir and measures taken to prevent such incidents.
He will also hold an interaction with young members of Jammu and Kashmir Youth Clubs via video conference around 4.45 pm. At around 6 pm, he will inaugurate the first Srinagar-Sharjah international flight via video conferencing from the Raj Bhawan.
Shah is likely to meet the families of the recent terror attack victims -- local pharmacists Pandit Makhanlal Bindroo, school teacher Supinder Kaur and young sub-inspector Arshad Ahmad Mir.
On Sunday, 24 October, he is expected to travel to Jammu to address a public rally, and meet with sarpanches or village heads on Monday before ending the visit.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI, NDTV, and The Indian Express.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)