In a resolute response during the Lok Sabha discussion on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah emphasized the bills’ significance in empowering and providing justice to those who have long been sidelined and neglected.
Highlighting the unanimous agreement among the 29 speakers on the objectives of the bill, Shri Amit Shah underscored these bills’ pivotal role in bringing forth progressive changes initiated under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. He reiterated the bills’ aim to rectify historic injustices faced by many individuals for over seven decades.
Shri Amit Shah passionately addressed the plight of displaced people who endured immense hardships over the years, emphasizing the need to address their rights and representation. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized and impoverished communities, citing the importance of respect in uplifting such sections of society.
The Home Minister highlighted the history of displacement, mentioning statistics regarding families displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and detailing the government’s efforts to listen to the voices of these affected individuals. He lauded the provision of reserved seats for displaced Kashmiri and Pakistani-occupied Kashmir residents, applauding the Modi government’s commitment to establishing a legal framework for their representation.
Shri Amit Shah elucidated the extensive efforts undertaken to draft and implement reforms, particularly in providing reservation for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, increasing the number of assembly seats, and ensuring equitable opportunities for backward classes. He defended the bills against opposition skepticism, asserting that these legislations aim to empower and provide representation to the displaced populace.
Regarding concerns about the legitimacy of the reservation for displaced individuals, Shri Amit Shah emphasized that the bills seek to confer rights and representation to the Kashmiri people affected by displacement, enabling their voices in the Kashmir Assembly and potentially preventing future instances of displacement.
The Minister presented a comprehensive overview of the developmental strides made in Jammu and Kashmir post the abolition of Article 370, emphasizing the reduction in terrorism and the significant enhancement in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and tourism under the Modi government.
He highlighted the historic mistakes made during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister, attributing the creation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to ceasefire timing and the referral of the issue to the United Nations. Shri Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Modi’s resolve in rectifying these errors and propelling unprecedented development in the region.
The Home Minister urged cooperation for the passage of these bills, emphasizing their sanctity in providing long-overdue rights and representation to the marginalized in Jammu and Kashmir.