Srinagar, Oct 23 (UNI) Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said terrorism has gone down in Kashmir, and assured strict action against those who disturb peace, adding that no one would be allowed to obstruct development in the union territory.
"Terrorism has reduced, stone pelting has become invisible and ...I want to assure you that strict action will be taken against those who want to ruin peace of Jammu and Kashmir. No one can obstruct development here. It's our commitment," Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday in Srinagar, after interacting with members of Youth Clubs.
The Home Minister said a curfew imposed by union government after article 370 was put in abeyance was put in place for peace in the valley, and if people faced difficulties, it was for the long term good.
"For 70 years, three families ruled, why were 40,000 people killed (in Kashmir)? Is there any answer to it?" Shah said.
"(After abrogation of article 370) there was conspiracy to insight violence, if we had not implemented the curfew there could have been violence. Whom did it save? It saved the youth. Since the situation is normal now, we have lifted the curfew.
"Still if someone feels troubled, I would say it was short term trouble for long term peace. What is Modi ji getting out of this. He worries about Kashmir everyday," Shah said.
He called upon the youth to join the journey of development, and to ensure peace in the valley.
"No change can happen without involvement of youth. People of the country and the world know in Kashmir we have started building a new Kashmir in leadership of Modiji," Shah said.
"I talked to youth from all religions here. Two and a half years ago, there was news of terrorism and stone pelting from Kashmir. Today the youth is talking about development and employment. This is a big change," he said.
"Youth should always remember, life is full of possibilities, it depends on you how you utilise these opportunities. Do you want to sit and cry, be negative, or do you want to move ahead with a positive mindset," he said.
Shah is on a three-day visit to J&K, and he also reviewed security in the Kashmir valley today.
The visit comes in the backdrop of a number of civilians being killed in Kashmir by terrorists.
UNI AO SHK1900