With Art 370 gone, new era of normalcy dawned in J&K: L-G

Three-tier security was put in place across Srinagar amid intelligence inputs about a possible militant attack. Many important roads were barricaded with barbed wires and smart fencing across the city a day after two policemen were killed in an attack on the outskirts of Srinagar on Friday.

Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the constitutional changes that divested Jammu & Kashmir of its special status last year will usher in a new era of normalcy while setting transparency, grassroots democracy, people’s welfare, development and employment opportunities as the targets for his administration.

Manoj Sinha said Jammu & Kashmir is at the forefront of the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana with three million beneficiaries.

He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharata Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign) and said Jammu & Kashmir is bound to get the maximum benefit from it to revive its economy. “Eight task forces [have been] created for the dedicated implementation of the package,’’ Sinha said as he hoisted the tricolour at an Independence Day function in Srinagar amid tight security.

Three-tier security was put in place across Srinagar amid intelligence inputs about a possible militant attack. Many important roads were barricaded with barbed wires and smart fencing across the city a day after two policemen were killed in an attack on the outskirts of Srinagar on Friday. Mobile 2G internet services was also snapped for four hours as part of the security measures.

Sinha said a new era of normalcy and development has dawned in Jammu & Kashmir. “I seek the cooperation of people to create a new Jammu & Kashmir.’’ He referred to the achievements of the Jammu & Kashmir administration and added long pending works like Srinagar’s Rambagh flyover have been completed. “Work on Jammu Ring Road, Akhnoor Road, Pakal-Dul Hydro-Electric Project, Kiru & Ratle power projects have been expedited. The new tunnel at Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar highway and the world’s highest rail bridge on Chenab will be completed in 2021. By 2022, Kashmir will be connected all the way to Kanyakumari by rail...”

Sinha said Jammu & Kashmir is at the forefront of the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana with three million beneficiaries. He added the administration plans to extend the benefits of the health scheme to 10 million beneficiaries. Sinha praised doctors, and paramedics, who are working selflessly to fight the Covid-19.

Independence Day functions were held across the Union Territory and deputy commissioners hoisted the national flag in their respective districts. Sinha’s advisor, KK Sharma, unfurled the tricolour in Jammu.

Big LED screens were also installed at two places in Srinagar for the live telecast of Modi’s Independence Day address.