Violence down by 80%
By: Sajid Raina
New Delhi: Stating that violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced by over 80%, Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Union Territory has achieved complete stability, and it would last forever.
Interacting with the youth of J&K under the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ Youth Exchange Program in the national capital, Shah said, “Following the abrogation of Article 370 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir has attained complete stability, which is there to stay.”
He said that since 2019, students, youth, and residents of J&K have been brought on par with those in other states like Haryana and Punjab.
Highlighting the transformation in the security landscape, he said, “Over the past decade, there have been no bomb blasts, stone pelting incidents, or terrorist activities. Students can now breathe freely and pursue their education without disruptions. With peace prevailing in the Valley, people across the country now view J&K with love and respect.”
He pointed out the human cost of past unrest, stating, “In the last 30 years, around 38,000 people lost their lives due to violence—an era marked by destruction. Today, violence has reduced by over 80%. However, I will not be truly satisfied until not a single life is lost to violence. That is our ultimate goal for J&K.”
Encouraging the students to become ambassadors of peace, Shah said, “When people recognize that Kashmir is living in a peaceful environment, there will be no need for security forces within the region. Soon, the day will come when there are no guns in the hands of the youth, and the army will be stationed only at the borders, as in other states. The power to create this future lies in the hands of students.”
Highlighting J&K’s infrastructure development, he said, “Jammu and Kashmir is home to the world’s highest Chenab Rail Bridge—an engineering marvel not found in any other state. Additionally, we have Asia’s largest cable bridge, showcasing the scale of development aimed at promoting J&K as a premier tourist destination.”
The Home Minister also spoke about advancements in healthcare and education, mentioning the establishment of AIIMS and an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Jammu.
Urging students to focus on their education and leverage government initiatives, Shah advised, “Do not drop out midway. Stay committed to your studies, achieve your goals, and make use of the vast opportunities available in the country.”
Shah urged the students to take a message of peace, progress, and development back to their communities. “More such tours will be organized in the future, allowing you to explore and experience the progress across the country,” he assured.
Citing development milestones, Shah said, “Earlier, rural areas in Jammu and Kashmir lacked access to clean water. But due to PM Modi’s efforts, over 80% of rural households now have tap water connections.”.
Amit Shah appealed to the children to go back to their villages and talk to their parents, siblings, friends, relatives, and people in their village about peace, harmony, and development. He said that this country belongs to everyone, and it is important to instill this belief in the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Shah said that Prime Minister Modi has brought so much development to the country, creating numerous avenues and opportunities that await the youth and children, and they should take advantage of these opportunities. He added that we all must work together to transform the peace established in Jammu and Kashmir into lasting peace.
Two hundred fifty children from weaker sections of Jammu and Kashmir including 62 girls and 188 boys in the age group of 9-18 years visited Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi under ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme organized by Social Welfare Department of the Govt of J&K in coordination with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). During their exposure trip, started on 15th February, 2025, the children visited many important and historic places in Jaipur and Ajmer.
They reached Delhi on 23rd February to meet dignitaries and to visit Qutub Minar, Red Fort and other important places in the national capital. The children will return to Jammu & Kashmir on 27th February, 2025.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Jammu and Kashmir have been conducting Youth Exchange programme.
The main objective of the programme is to expose the youth and children of Jammu and Kashmir to vibrant development and social and cultural diversity of India so that they can feel socially, culturally and emotionally integrated with rest of the country. The programme is expected to have positive impact on the thinking of the youth.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the MHA is committed to such initiatives for development and progress of youth and children of Jammu and Kashmir. ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme in one such initiative through which, children of terrorism affected families and/or weaker sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir identified by J&K Rehabilitation Council are taken for exposure trip.
The youth and children are mainly selected from the various orphanages in the districts of J&K.
Preference is given to children from terrorism affected families, destitute children and children from weaker sections. The other criterion for selection apart from socio economic background, is proficiency in education, sports and cultural activities. So far, about 2868 youth/children have participated in ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme. (Inputs from KNO)
J&K has achieved lasting stability: Amit Shah
