Srinagar, Oct 25 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday evening highlighted that not even a single bullet was fired after J&K’s special status under Article 370 of the constitution was abrogated in 2019. He was speaking to jawans at a CRPF base at Lethpora, Pulwama in south Kashmir. The Union Minister who was scheduled to fly back extended his stay in Kashmir and would spend the night at Lethpora.
“When Article 370 and 35 A was removed. There was a lot of speculations which were not wrong. Much reaction was expected. There were apprehensions of a blood bath. I want to tell you (CRPF and other forces) because of your alertness not a single bullet was fired. It was a great achievement for all of us,” Shah told the Jawans at the camp.
He praised all the security agencies for ensuring peace in Kashmir when the big decision of scrapping the special status of J&K was taken.
“Such a big decision was taken for the interest for Kashmir,” he said.
He said Kashmir is now witnessing massive development and various institutes are coming to J&K.
The Union Minister said the law and order situation has improved on ground.
He pointed out that between 2004 to 2014, the civilian death toll used to be 208 per year and for forces the figure was 105.
“From 2014 to this year, the civilian deaths have been reduced to 30 and that of forces to 60 from 105 per year,” he said, adding that these figures show that people of J&K have also accepted the decision.
The Minister said there was a time when stone pelting was a norm in Kashmir, but now it has reduced drastically.
Shah said the there was zero tolerance for terrorism and government would not tolerate it as it is against humanity.
“Our priority should be to safeguard people,”
