Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently arrived on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, where he paid tribute to RSS ideologue, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, at the BJP headquarters in the city. Mukherjee had fought for One constitution, one Prime Minister and one flag and was arrested for defying the permit laws in force in J&K in 1948. Shah addressed a public rally in Bhagwati Nagar and inaugurated several development projects, laying the foundation stone of some during his visit to Jammu. He also visited the Shri Tirupati Balaji temple on the outskirts of the city.
Shah flew to Srinagar, where he attended the Vitasta festival and chaired a high-level security meeting to review arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra starts on July 1 and will end on August 31 after 62 days. On Saturday, he laid the foundation of ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Pratap Park, adjacent to the historic city centre Lal Chowk.
Shah was received at the technical area of Jammu airport by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh, senior civil, police and paramilitary officers, and senior leaders of the BJP. He also inaugurated many developmental projects during his visit to Jammu.
Jammu and Kashmir had its own constitution and flag until August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated. The political head of the state was called the ‘Wazir-e-Azam’, and the constitutional head, the ‘Sadr-e-Riyasat’ until 1964 instead of Chief Minister and Governor.
The visit of the Home Minister aims to showcase the BJP-led government’s focus on developing the region, addressing the security concerns of the area, and promoting tourism while paying tribute to the martyrs of the nation. The visit of Amit Shah also carries significant political significance, underscoring the central government’s approach towards Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP has shown an interest in implementing a development-based approach to deal with social issues and uplift the region’s economy. This approach will also present a contrast to the politics of identity practised on both sides of the erstwhile state, further highlighting the Jammu and Kashmir government’s attempts to integrate the region with the rest of the nation.
It is hoped that Amit Shah’s visit will help ease tensions in the region, promote tourism and attract foreign investment, leading to significant economic growth. With the central government’s support and the cooperation of the locals, the development of Jammu and Kashmir will contribute to the nation’s growth, thereby promoting a peaceful and prosperous future for the region and the country.
