J&K reorganisation will curb cross-border terrorism, promote inclusive growth : Naidu

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi  : The Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu on October 14, 2019, asserted that the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories will promote inclusive development and reduce the negative impact of cross-border terrorism.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, Naidu expressed concern that one of India’s neighbours has been fomenting trouble in this region by aiding, abetting, and funding terrorist activities. He said that several thousand people were killed in terror-related incidents and termed terrorism as the enemy of humanity. Terrorism has no religion, he added and urged the world community to unite in isolating nations which sponsor terrorism and ensure that funding for such activities was stopped.

Hitting out at the negative propaganda being carried out on Jammu and Kashmir, he urged the Indian diaspora to effectively counter the disinformation by presenting the correct picture. “It is high time to take up a campaign to stop this disinformation,” the Vice President added. Naidu said the recent decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir was intended to extend all the laws and benefits of developmental programmes to this region and ensure inclusive and all-round development of the State.

While pointing out that both the houses of the Parliament approved the move with an overwhelming majority, he said that some sections of the media and vested interests have been grossly distorting the truth. Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India, the Vice President said that the people of the state have been electing leaders in free and fair elections since 1952. However, many of the programmes were not reaching the citizens of the state because of special provisions of Article 370. “The Government has taken a bold decision by following the democratic process of obtaining Parliamentary approval,” he added.

The Vice President said that India is  a country which had Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, Supreme Court judges and Heads of Defence Forces drawn from most prominent minority groups.

Referring to India’s growth story, the Vice President said that the country was making steady progress towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy and the third largest consumer market in the world by 2025.  Observing that India offered many opportunities for business, social enterprises and cultural connections, he invited the diaspora to join as knowledge partners and investors in India’s transformational journey.

Stating the India was fast becoming a favourite investment destination for the world, Naidu asked the diaspora to build a bridge that connects their motherland with the land they have chosen to live in. He expressed happiness that the Indian community in Sierra Leone, though small in number has been playing an important role in promoting bilateral ties and creating opportunities for the economy and society. Naidu also said that the Government of India had decided to establish a High Commission in Freetown to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations and to serve the needs of the Indian diaspora.