KATHUA , July 13: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, declared that “there will be no compromise in dealing with illegal crushers, unauthorised mining, land encroachment, and drug peddlers.” Speaking at a gathering today, Dr. Singh underlined that those engaged in these illicit acts will be subject to severe consequences, irrespective of their public image or perceived power.
The Minister stated that no one has the right to engage in illegal mining, which erodes the foundations of critical infrastructure like the Keediyan Gandyal bridge. Similarly, he condemned the profiteering from drug trafficking, highlighting the potential harm to future generations, including the traffickers’ own children.
Dr. Singh’s remarks followed a nearly three-hour public durbar, where he addressed various citizens’ delegations to resolve grievances and demands on the spot, alongside the Deputy Commissioner and other senior administrative officials.
He underscored the connection between illegal mining, drug abuse, and broader social evils like terrorism. “Exemplary and punitive actions will be taken against those involved in these crimes, regardless of their political affiliations or supposed influence,” he warned. The Minister revealed that the local administration has already acted against 25 illegal crushers, with a new list of nearly a dozen more being prepared for strict legal action.
Dr. Singh assured the public that comprehensive measures are being implemented to combat rising terror incidents and restore public confidence and order. He promised that these efforts would soon yield results, and normalcy would return within a week.
He also warned local terror facilitators of severe consequences and urged society to stay vigilant and support government efforts to combat terrorism. He mentioned that Village Defence Committees (VDCs) are being strengthened to fight against terrorists.
Highlighting the issue of cattle smuggling, Dr. Singh vowed to tackle the crime decisively. He expressed concern over the spread of drug addiction from Punjab to Katra, tarnishing the holy city’s reputation. He called on local citizens to protect their youth from this menace to secure their future.
Addressing the problem of land encroachment, the Minister warned that anyone found guilty would face stringent action. He praised the transformative development in the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Parliamentary constituency over the past decade under the Modi government, citing numerous milestones such as North India’s first bio-tech park, a seed processing plant, and iconic bridges like Atal Setu.
Dr. Singh concluded by noting that the past decade under the Modi government was dedicated to addressing the shortcomings of previous regimes. “Now, the government is focused on consolidating the gains of the past decade in its current term,” he pledged.