‘Govt’s strategies result in significant decline in terror related incidents’
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Dec 19: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a substantial influx of investments amounting to Rs 5319.35 crores since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
Nityanand Rai, the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, shared this information in the Parliament today.
In a joint query, the Members of Parliament, including Raj Kumar Chahar, Sunil Baburao Mendhe, Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, Shankar Lalwani, Dr. Bharatiben Dhirubhai Shiyal, Sanjay Jaiswal, and Dr Rajdeep Roy, had sought details on the Union Government’s strategies to counter the terror incidents in the region. They also inquired about initiatives impacting development, particularly the increase in investments post the Article 370 revocation.
Responding to their query, Rai said that the Union Territory attracted investments of Rs 296.64 crores in 2019-20, Rs 412.74 crores in 2020-21, Rs 376.76 crores in 2021-22, Rs 2153 crores in 2022-23, and Rs 2079.76 crores up to October 31, 2023, totalling Rs 5319.35 crores.
Regarding counter-terrorism measures, Rai highlighted a significant drop in incidents, stating that while 228 terrorist-initiated incidents occurred in 2018, only 43 were reported up to November 30, 2023. According to him, against 189 encounters reported in the year 2018 only 48 were reported in the current year (up to November 30, 2023) and against 55 civilian and 91 security forces personnel’s casualties reported in the year 2018, total 13 civilians and 25 security forces personnel died up to November 30 in the year 2023.
He outlined strategies such as round-the-clock security checkpoints, intensified Cordon and Search Operations, and real-time intelligence sharing contributing to the decline.
Rai emphasized the Government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and the strengthening of security measures to maintain peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. He credited these actions for the reduction in the number of terror incidents.
Additionally, Rai noted the transformative impact of Article 370’s abrogation on the Union Territory, citing advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism.
He highlighted the successful implementation of flagship schemes and IT initiatives, contributing to enhanced compliance and accountability.
To further boost investment and industrial development, the Government of India has implemented a New Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 28,400 Crore, he said.
The Union Minister also mentioned initiatives by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, making the region more investor-friendly.
