Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said that bifurcation of J&K is just a rumour and nothing else as some people are feeling discomfort by the present peace in the UT and are now spreading false rumours to meet their petty political interests.

Speaking to a national television channel, the LG Sinha as per news agency said that some people are spreading false rumours to keep their political boggy relevant and to meet their political interests. “Only selfish people fuel rumours. Bifurcation of J&K is just a rumour nothing else,” he said.

The J&K LG said what he was saying was “with full responsibility and people have understood what he means.”

Replying to a query about troop movement in Kashmir, he said that this gives no signal about anything. “Paramilitary forces had gone to West Bengal for poll duty and they are returning now. Some 60 companies were allotted to J&K and they are returning. Many jawans were also under quarantine and they too are returning,” the LG Sinha said adding that whenever there has been Amarnath Yatra in J&K such troop movements are a routine.

To a query whether J&K government would go ahead with the Amarnath Yatra despite Covid pandemic, he said that the administration led by him took a series of steps to contain the spread of Covid and they succeeded largely. “Nothing is more important than human lives. In the days ahead, Covid situation will be better. After analaysing the situation threadbare, decision will be taken on whether to hold annual pilgrimage,”

On Assembly polls and the delimitation process, the LG Sinha said that Prime Minister Narendera Modi has announced at the Lal Qila that once delimitation commission would finish its exercise, J&K will witness Assembly polls. “Let the Delimitation Commission submit its report,” he said. About NC’s participation in Delimitation process, he said if NC takes part in the exercise, they will fulfill their responsibility.

Asked whether militancy has been curbed in J&K, the LG said that the tourist arrivals suggest that peace is prevailing in Kashmir and there is a no law and order situation. “No doubt a few incidents of violence have taken place, but local militant recruitment is down. We have an upper hand on militants. Security forces are maintaining a close coordination. A handful of people are trying to disrupt the peace but government is committed to defeat then and act them as per the law,” he said.

Replying to query that some people were alleging discrimination against Jammu, he said that in a democracy there is a freedom of expression but that doesn’t mean, “Whatever people would say would become government policy.” “My tenure is witness that not a single decision has been taken by my administration where one can smell discrimination.

Gone are the days of discrimination. Jammu and Kashmir are two eyes of government,” he said