Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the biggest change after the abrogation of Article 370 has been that people in Jammu and Kashmir are living freely.

He said not only the street violence has ended, but the schools, colleges and business establishments remain open.

“Street violence has ended. The schools and colleges that used to shut for 150 days a year on the directions of Pakistan, terrorists and separatists have ended,” Sinha told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar.

On this day in 2019, the Union government scrapped the Article 370 of the Constitution, which resulted in the withdrawal of the special status to J&K and also downgraded from a state to two Union Territories.

He said people, especially youth used to go home in Kashmir before sunset, but now things have changed.

“Today, shops are open in Polo view market till late night. Youth spend quality time holding a guitar and enjoy ice cream on the riverfront. This is the biggest change that has happened after a long time,” the LG said, adding people in Jammu and Kashmir are living freely now.

Sinha said the youth in J&K have got wings to fly in the days to come, their contribution to nation building will not be less than anyone.

“Jammu and Kashmir would soon reclaim its former splendour for which it was recognized,” he said.

Earlier Lieutenant Governor handed over appointment letters to Anganwadi Sanginis and Sahayikas, and specially fitted 2832 scooty’s to persons with disabilities across the UT at a ceremony held in Srinagar.

He also launched Mission Youth’s Protsahan Scheme and Soft skill Training & Coaching program for Judicial and other Legal Services.

“The unprecedented growth and peace is a testament to the dedication, hard work, meticulous planning and implementation of team J&K. I dedicate these initiatives to the people, who are working with commitment to build Corruption-free, Fear-free and Aatmanirbhar J&K,” the Lt Governor said.

The new initiatives of Mission Youth will empower youngsters, help them to become leaders of tomorrow and change makers, he added.

In his address on the occasion, Sinha shared the extraordinary journey of Jammu Kashmir over the past four years.

“On 5th August 2019, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji had ended the discriminatory system which harbored separatism and nepotism. He ushered sustained peace, dignity, security, equal access to resources for new aspirations, new resolutions for J&K’s glorious future,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the complete dismantling of terror sympathizers and secessionist network has allowed the society to live with freedom, live without fear.

“We have laid a new foundation for the growth and prosperity of J&K. We have ended decades of tyranny and terror ecosystem. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, we have established a lasting peace, which has brought social justice, opportunity and dignity to people,” Sinha said.

(With UNI Inputs)