Jammu, Feb 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is focused on creating an environment where no life is lost to terrorism. Shah made these remarks while interacting with youngsters from Jammu and Kashmir who were visiting New Delhi as part of the Watan Ko Jano (Know Your Nation) youth exchange program.
“The Narendra Modi government envisions a Jammu and Kashmir where terrorism ceases to exist, and every citizen enjoys peace and prosperity. Today, there is peace in the Union Territory, and it must be made permanent,” Shah emphasized. He called upon the youth to play a crucial role in shaping this vision, stating that the responsibility of building a peaceful J&K ultimately lies with the younger generation.
Highlighting the devastating impact of terrorism, Shah noted that 38,000 lives have been lost over the decades due to militancy in the region. Urging the youth to spread the message of peace, he stated, “Violence leads nowhere. When you return home, tell your families, friends, and neighbors that the entire country is living in peace, and Jammu and Kashmir must embrace the same.”
Shah expressed optimism about a future where security forces will no longer be needed to maintain order in Jammu and Kashmir. “The day is not far when terrorism will be eradicated, and there will be no need for police or security forces carrying weapons,” he remarked. He underscored that while no government can single-handedly establish peace, “it is the youth of Jammu and Kashmir who can truly bring lasting change.”
The Home Minister pointed out that the past decade has seen a drastic decline in terrorist incidents, with stone pelting and bomb blasts becoming rare occurrences. “Today, schools are running normally, theatres have reopened, and religious processions that were once restricted are now being held freely,” he observed, underscoring the return of normalcy in the region.
Amit Shah highlighted the abrogation of Article 370 as a transformative step that ensured equal rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Prime Minister Modi has made the country equal for all. Now, every resident of Jammu and Kashmir has the same rights as people in Gujarat, Rajasthan, or Delhi,” he stated.
Encouraging the youth to explore the country, he added, “Our country is our home. If you don’t step out of Jammu and Kashmir, you will not be able to know the beauty of India. In your next school vacation, visit another state with your family and witness the diversity of our great nation.”
Shah also highlighted the rapid infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Modi government has focused on building hospitals, roads, bridges, and universities. “In the past 10 years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable progress—Asia’s longest tunnel, the world’s tallest railway bridge, two AIIMS, two IIMs, 24 new colleges, and eight universities have been established,” he said.
The Home Minister emphasized the importance of education, urging youngsters not to abandon their studies. “Opportunities have expanded significantly under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, and education is the key to unlocking a prosperous future,” he said.
The Watan Ko Jano program, launched under the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, aims to expose youth from the region to the social, cultural, and developmental diversity of India. This initiative is designed to foster a sense of national unity and emotional integration.
This year, 250 children from economically weaker sections of Jammu and Kashmir, including 62 girls and 188 boys aged 9-18 years, participated in the program. They visited Jaipur, Ajmer, and Delhi, exploring historical landmarks such as Qutub Minar and Red Fort, and interacting with national leaders. The children are scheduled to return to Jammu and Kashmir on February 27.
Since its inception, the program has benefited over 2,868 youth, primarily from orphanages and families affected by terrorism. Preference is given to children from destitute backgrounds, as well as those excelling in education, sports, and cultural activities.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs remains committed to initiatives that promote peace, development, and progress among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.