Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Dec 05 (KNS): Stating that the troubled era in Jammu and Kashmir is over now, Union Minister Aunrag Thakur Tuesday said that time has come for the Indian flag to proudly adorn every lane in Kashmir.
Thakur made these significant remarks during a pivotal session of the Lok Sabha, where discussions centered on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Thakur's address not only focused on legislative matters but also shed light on the positive transformations observed in the region.
According to KNS, in the middle of proposed amendments to the reservation framework and the reorganisation structure in Jammu and Kashmir, Thakur seized the opportunity to emphasize the improved security scenario in the union territory.
“Earlier there were stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir. Today there are no such incidents. Today, not only at Lal Chowk, but the Indian flag is hoisted in every lane in Kashmir,” stated Thakur, highlighting a significant shift in the region's landscape.
Thakur's remarks echoed the broader narrative of positive change and stability that the government has been striving to achieve in Jammu and Kashmir.
The cessation of stone-pelting incidents, once a symbol of unrest and discord in the region is viewed as a notable achievement toward restoring normalcy.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, under consideration during the parliamentary session, aims to modify existing reservation provisions to better address the socio-economic dynamics of the region.
Simultaneously, The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to further refine the administrative framework in line with the changes implemented, when Article 370 was abrogated, leading to the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate union territories.
It is to mention here that in a crucial session of the Lok Sabha today, lawmakers engaged in a spirited debate over two significant bills that could reshape the socio-political landscape of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 were at the center of attention, sparking discussions on the floor.
The KNS further reported that Union Home Minister Amit Shah raised a crucial question during the discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Expressing his perspective on the matter, Shah pondered, “How can a country have two PMs, two constitutions, and two flags? Those who did this, they did wrong. PM Modi corrected it. We have been saying since 1950 that there should be 'Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan' (One Prime Minister, one flag, and one Constitution) in the country, and we did it.”
Shah's remarks were in response to statements made by TMC MP Saugata Roy concerning the J&K bills.
The Home Minister's assertion echoed the government's stance on the historic decision, which saw the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate union territories.
In his address, Shah emphasized the correction of what the government deemed as an anomaly, asserting that the move was in line with the long-standing vision of having a unified leadership, flag, and Constitution for the entire country.
The Home Minister's comments encapsulated the essence of the government's commitment to addressing what it perceives as historical irregularities in the governance structure of the region.
The discussion in the Lok Sabha reflected the divergent views on the bills, with Shah's intervention adding a broader perspective on the implications of the legislative changes in Jammu and Kashmir.
Members of the Lok Sabha engaged in a spirited discussion, expressing diverse opinions on the implications of the proposed amendments. Some lawmakers emphasized the importance of inclusive development, while others raised concerns about the potential impact on existing reservation quotas.
Lawmakers were keen on ensuring that the proposed legislative changes would effectively address the unique challenges and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)