Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed a roundtable discussion on development scenario in union territory yesterday. The event was organised by India Foundation.

In his address, through video conferencing, the Lt Governor shared the stellar journey of Jammu and Kashmir towards peace, prosperity and unprecedented development. He said the transformation of J&K Union Territory in less than four years has been phenomenal. He said we have decimated discriminatory system prevalent for almost seven-decades and implemented inclusive policies that fostered development and touched the lives of millions. He observed that people have freedom to live their life as they desire, rather than dictated by others.

The Lt Governor highlighted the reforms introduced by the government to establish a peaceful and conducive environment empowering the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. He said for the first time after independence, the common citizen of J&K can think freely and express their feelings without any fear from separatist-terrorist network. He maintained that it is one of the biggest transformations common man is witnessing under leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said apart from fast economic development and unparalleled growth with equity, there is a rapid social change which is reflected in day to day lives of common citizens.
 
Mr Sinha said there is growing aspiration in the society to excel and peace is the first step in the journey of development. He said we do not believe in buying peace but in establishing peace and there is no distinction in policy and intent. He said discriminatory policies imposed for 70 years are gone and citizens are getting equal opportunities for development. He said, the peaceful conduct of the G20 summit, Muharram procession being taken out in Kashmir after 34 years, revival of cinemas, unprecedented tourists visiting J&K UT has sent the message that Jammu and Kashmir is on the move.

Ram Madhav, President India Foundation, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation; Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), eminent personalities, experts, senior functionaries and members of India Foundation shared their views during the roundtable discussion and lauded the steps and initiatives taken by the UT administration for the equal and inclusive development of Jammu and Kashmir.