Jammu and Kashmir found resonance in Parliament today, July 1, as Home Minister Amit Shah tabled the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill that will provide quota in educational institutions and government jobs to people living within 10 km of the international border (IB) along the Line of Control (LoC). The statutory resolution for extension of President’s Rule by another six months is also being discussed by the House currently.
On June 28, the Lok Sabha nodded to Shah’s proposal of the extension of President’s Rule and the amendment bill. Today, Shah said that he hopes that the upper house too will vote in favour of the bill, considering the current state of affairs in Jammu & Kashmir.
Although the bill faced opposition from the Congress, NC and the CPI(M), it was comfortably passed in the Lok Sabha.
Shah was also lauded by Kashmiri Pandits after he stated that Article 370 was temporary in nature.
Shah’s Visit To Jammu And Kashmir
On a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Amit Shah on June 26 held an extensive review meeting with security forces and discussed arrangements for Amarnath Yatra.
Reviewing the development scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, he sought the state government’s focus on accelerating development, building infrastructure, good governance, inclusive growth for all communities as well as employment generating schemes for the youth.
He told security officials that there will be no zero tolerance towards terrorism in Kashmir.
Shah praised the Jammu and Kashmir police and distributed cheques to families of BJP workers who were killed by terrorists.
Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah distributed cheques to families of BJP workers who were killed by terrorists in the state, in recent months. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/guYsFaos8N
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2019
He also visited the residence of martyred inspector Arshad Khan, who died in a terror attack on June 12.
Visited the home of inspector Arshad Khan, SHO Anantnag in Srinagar, who was martyred in a terror attack & offered my condolences to the bereaved family.
His sacrifice for the security of our nation has saved many lives. Entire nation is proud of Arshad Khan‘s valour & courage. pic.twitter.com/eByqlVubo6
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 27, 2019
“This Bill Is Not To Please Anyone”
On Friday, June 28, Amit Shah had introduced the Jammu & Kashmir quota bill in Lok Sabha.
Shah said that the aim of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was to provide reservations in government jobs and educational institutions within 10km of the International Border in the Jammu area, just like the Kashmir’s Line of Control.
Ministry of Home Affairs: During his first visit to Jammu & Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, held a number of meetings with officials to assess the security scenario in the state, review preparations for Amarnath Yatra and provide good governance in the state. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/4ubElN3CDM
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2019
He said that since students had to stay in bunkers for days during firing and shelling, the government wanted a reservation for those who live along the International Border.
Moving the bill in the Lok Sabha, Shah said, “This bill is not to please anyone but for those living near the International Border.”
Shah said that the Modi government had tried to fulfil the expectations of people who live in Jammu and Ladakh. He said that over the years, they have resolved pending cases. They have helped refugees from PoK and West Pakistan. They are constructing more than 15,000 bunkers, and paying compensation if livestock is killed.
“We are monitoring the situation in Jammu & Kashmir. Construction of bunkers along the border areas will be done within the time limit set by previous Home Minister Rajnath Singh,” he said.
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