Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has expressed that the people of Kashmir, deep down, support the abrogation of Article 370, even if they may not openly admit it. He highlighted that Article 370 denied the people of Kashmir many benefits enjoyed by the rest of India, while primarily serving the interests of a select few.
Dr. Singh noted that the decision to revoke Article 370 has been widely supported across Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the “Rashtra Sarvopari Summit” organized by Republic TV under the theme “New India, New Kashmir,” he stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not favor the reinstatement of the article.
He pointed out the peaceful conduct of recent elections in the region, with no calls for boycotts, as a sign of positive political change. Before the abrogation, important constitutional amendments, such as the 73rd and 74th, which strengthen local governance, were not implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Now, funds are reaching the grassroots level, directly benefiting the people, he said.
Dr. Singh also observed that the youth in the region are increasingly integrating with mainstream India, motivated by new opportunities arising from the country’s global rise. While the last few decades were marked by terrorism, he noted a dramatic improvement in the past ten years, including a significant boost in start-up activity. Various welfare schemes, previously stalled, are now being successfully executed.
He further highlighted that the record-breaking 2.5 crore tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir this year signals a return to normalcy.
On the topic of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK), Dr. Singh reaffirmed that it remains an integral part of India.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he assured that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would be restored at an appropriate time.
In closing, Dr. Singh discussed India’s space ambitions, expressing confidence that the country would send humans into space by 2025 and reach its goal of a manned mission to the Moon by 2040.
