Srinagar, Aug 15(KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Sunday said that the jungel raj in Jammu and Kashmir came to an end in the year 2020 when district development council elections were held.

“Jungel raj” in Jammu and Kashmir ended in 2020 and grassroots level democracy was strengthened in the union territory by conducting violence-free district development council (DDC) elections, the Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, said in his Independence Day speech here at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket stadium.

He also said that the grass-roots democracy has been strengthened, while fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens have also been achieved. “With the spirit of Kashmiriyat taking along all religions and creeds on development, we are achieving new milestones.”

Sinha said in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir. 

"We want to assure all the citizens that whoever is trying to mislead the young people through proxy war, shall be given a befitting reply.”

He also said that from Lal Qila to Lal Chowk we need to walk together at every step and usher a new phase of development in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The neighbouring country, which does not care for its own people, has been making a malicious attempt to instigate some of our youth," he said.

The LG also paid tributes to the brave soldiers of Army, paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police, who, he said, have kept the unity, integrity of India intact with their amazing valour, courage and sacrifice.

“I am proud that Jammu and Kashmir Police has received 257 gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day," he added. (KNS)